Berserk & Pyrrhia - Contemporary art and medieval art: the Frac Île-de-France exhibition

Medieval myths and imagery continue to inspire contemporary artists, centuries later. Many artists remain attached to this ancient imaginary, often closely linked to magic, heroic fantasy and epic tales. The Frac Île-de-France has decided to combine contemporary and medieval art in a two-part exhibition.

From March 21 to July 20, 2025, the curious can visit the Berserk & Pyrrhia exhibition free of charge, presented simultaneously at Le Plateau in Paris and at Réserves in Romainville.

The artists in this exhibition focused particularly on two characters: the Berserker, a warrior renowned for his exceptional power and exploits, and Pyrrhia, a butterfly associated with the history of dragons, with a more natural world where humans have no place.

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These two creatures, these two stories, have been taken up, readapted and reimagined a thousand times over in novels, video games, manga, film, rap... Pop culture and today's artists have appropriated these medieval myths and applied them to modern questions, dreams and stories.

The Frac exhibition features works that evoke a return to the earth, a more natural world where humans and animals live together, a magical universe that can also represent the hopes and concerns of the younger generation ofcontemporary artists. Opposite these modern creations, we find ancient works dating back to the Middle Ages: in this dialogue between generations, we find a common thread, a link that unites humanity, whatever the era.

The exhibition is divided into two parts, and two venues. At Le Plateau, the works are darker, more romantic and mystical: the universe is unknown, frightening, absolute. At Les Réserves, we find the enchantment of magic and wonder.

The artists of Frac Île-de-France take us on an unusual and exciting journey through time. The exhibition is free to view in fine weather.