Kourtrajmé School Exhibition at Palais de Tokyo Challenges Banlieue Representation
In late August, long lines appeared at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris for the exhibition titled 'Jusqu'ici tout va bien,' showcasing the creations of students from École Kourtrajmé. Established in 2018 by filmmaker Ladj Ly in Montfermeil, this free art institution invites notable guest speakers such as Spike Lee and George Lucas. Ly shares leadership of the school with artist JR and actress Ludivine Sagnier. The exhibition's title alludes to a famous quote by Vincent Cassel from La Haine. Ly's 2019 film Les Misérables delves into life in the suburbs. Featured student works include Ismail Alaoui Fdili's concrete Monobloc chairs, a police car piñata, Tiah Mbathio Beye's balcony piece, and fashion photography by Djiby Kebe alongside Virgil Abloh. The school aims to expand with new sites in Marseille and Dakar to make art more accessible.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Jusqu'ici tout va bien' opened at Palais de Tokyo in Paris in late August
- Show features work by students from École Kourtrajmé, founded in 2018 by Ladj Ly
- School is based in Montfermeil, suburb featured in Les Misérables and 2005 riots
- Ladj Ly co-runs school with artist JR and actress Ludivine Sagnier
- Guest lecturers have included Spike Lee, George Lucas, and Mathieu Kassovitz
- Exhibition title references line from Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film La Haine
- Ladj Ly's 2019 film Les Misérables won Cannes Jury Prize and four Césars
- School has new location in Marseille and planned expansion to Dakar
Entities
Artists
- Mathieu Kassovitz
- Vincent Cassel
- Ladj Ly
- Victor Hugo
- Ismail Alaoui Fdili
- Tiah Mbathio Beye
- Ismaël Bazri
- Tassiana Aït Tahar
- Mohamed Bourouissa
- Emilie Pria
- Nouta Kiaie
- Djiby Kebe
- Virgil Abloh
- Spike Lee
- George Lucas
- JR
- Ludivine Sagnier
Institutions
- École Kourtrajmé
- Palais de Tokyo
- Kourtrajmé collective
- Cannes Film Festival
- Louis Vuitton
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Montfermeil
- Marseille
- Dakar
- Senegal