Dear Melpomène: our photos from the Beaux-Arts de Paris exhibition

"Dear Melpomène,
We address you, muse of tragedy, once enthroned at the back of the Palais des Beaux-arts. From a plaster statue several meters high, you have become a ruin. From your dust particles, we wanted to go beyond the archetypal muse to form a living breath capable of infiltrating the interstices of established norms...". Les Beaux Arts de Paris couldn't be clearer about the content of their new exhibition, entitled Chère Melpomène, which runs from April 9 to June 1, 2025.

Conceived as a reflection on the muse of tragedy, once represented by an imposing statue that has now disappeared (crushed by a cornice that fell on it), this installation - installed in the Melpomène room - offers a contemporary take on the classical myths. - offers a contemporary take on classic myths. By blending different artistic practices, it invites us to a collective exploration of the narratives and representations that shape our society.

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Theexhibition is inspired by artist Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's Dictée (1982), a work that hijacks the figures of the ancient muses to pay homage to women who fought for their emancipation. From this perspective, Chère Melpomène questions established norms and interrogates relationships between beings, whether human or not. The aim is to create a space where art becomes a vehicle for resistance, solidarity and alternatives to dominant narratives.

The exhibition features some one hundred works from the Beaux-Arts collections, as well as works by students, studio heads and international artists. In all, 80 artists (mainly women) invite you to discover their worlds. Some of the works, dating from the 17th century to the present day, are being exhibited for the first time. An exhibition that offers a reinterpretation of what a muse might be... The idea is also to recount personal tragedies.

In addition, Wednesday evenings feature a special program of performances, literature and writing. A booklet produced by the students accompanies the exhibition, enabling further reflection on this collective project. Admission is free, with a choice of €2, €5 or €10. Ready to dive into the world of Melpomène?

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