Helena Almeida's Corpus at Jeu de Paume

The Jeu de Paume in Paris is currently hosting the exhibition Corpus, highlighting the photographic and performative works of Portuguese artist Helena Almeida, who has delved into the themes of matter and the body throughout her career. Since 1968, Almeida has made herself the focal point of her art, exclusively photographed by her husband, whom she describes as "I am chained to him." Her pieces often feature stark black-and-white aesthetics and challenge traditional painting, particularly in her 1974 series Pinturas habitadas (Inhabited Paintings). Among her significant works are Ouve-me (Listen to me), showcasing a close-up of her stitched mouth, and Seduzir (Seduce, 2000). Her performances frequently highlight her body, typically clad in a flowing black dress, exploring concepts of exposure and erasure in radical rituals.