Paris's Cultural Boom Marred by Censorship of Larry Clark Exhibition

Catherine Millet's editorial in artpress criticizes the decision by Bertrand Delanoë, Christophe Girard, and Fabrice Hergott to restrict the Larry Clark exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris to visitors over 18. Millet argues that the ban reflects a troubling trend of censorship driven by a vocal minority rather than democratic consensus. She notes that Paris is experiencing a cultural renaissance with exhibitions by Arman, Basquiat, Hockney, and Larry Clark, new international galleries opening, six satellite fairs during FIAC, a rich Mois de la Photo and Paris Photo, Christie's auction of Richard Avedon photographs, and a new biennial in Belleville. However, the age restriction on Clark's show undermines this vibrancy, as it imposes a moral standard not shared by the majority, including the officials themselves. Millet likens the officials' behavior to that of the group Présumés Innocents, which faced years of legal battles over censorship. She concludes that the decision prioritizes the fears of a reactionary minority over artistic freedom and public trust.