ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

The End of Painting in Paris

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

In a 1991 essay for artpress, the author declares that painting is finished. Paris, once a global capital of art like Athens, Alexandria, Bruges, Florence, and Rome, has become a fair of painting where those who do not paint write about it. Despite the continued production and sale of paintings and the influx of foreigners seeking initiation, painting as a vital force is over.

Key facts

  • The essay was published in artpress in 1991.
  • Paris is compared to historical art centers: Athens, Alexandria, Bruges (15th century), Florence (16th century), Rome (17th century).
  • In Paris, those who do not paint write about painting.
  • Paris is described as a fair of painting.
  • Paintings are manufactured and sold in Paris.
  • Foreigners come to Paris to learn about and acquire painting.
  • There will still be many painters.
  • The central claim is that painting is finished.

Entities

Institutions

  • artpress

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • Athens
  • Greece
  • Alexandria
  • Egypt
  • Bruges
  • Belgium
  • Florence
  • Italy
  • Rome

Sources