Chiaroscuro: the Exhibition Exploring Shadow and Light at the Bourse de Commerce - Our Photos

For its latest exhibition, the Paris Bourse de Commerce aims to immerse visitors in a dialogue between the seen and the unseen. Titled "Chiaroscuro," and open until August 24, 2026, it transforms the stunning Parisian landmark into a landscape that is both luminous and twilight-like.

For the occasion, around twenty modern and contemporary artists from the Pinault Collection have their works on display. Each artist reveals pieces that explore the legacy of the renowned chiaroscuro, a technique that has defined painting since the 16th century. While contemporary artists often interpret their era by examining its darkness, the exhibition Chiaroscuro investigates this concept through a curated selection of approximately a hundred works, unfolding in a compelling interplay of shadows and light.

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Once again, the artworks occupy various spaces throughout the Parisian monument: from the basement to the upper-level galleries, as well as display cases, not forgetting the Rotunda. For this occasion, the French contemporary artist Pierre Huyghe has taken over the space. This time, there’s no monumental installation to admire beneath the nave. Visitors might still recall pieces like Mike Kelley’s "Kandor" or Kimsooja’s "To Breathe – Constellation" from the exhibition "The World as It Is". For "Clair-obscur", Pierre Huyghe presents his film "Camata" (2024), shot in the Atacama Desert in Chile. On a giant screen, viewers can see mechanical arms powered by solar energy spinning around a skeleton. To better appreciate the film’s complex editing—which is constantly reassembled live by a machine learning algorithm—visitors are invited to sit facing the massive screen set up within the stunning Rotunda.

Just nearby, Gallery 2 showcases the work of American artist James Lee Byas. Several of his pieces on display create a luminous mausoleum of light. Visitors can admire a cylindrical sculpture draped in gold leaf, a sphere made of 3,333 red roses, and the striking installation "Byas is Elephant," crafted in Egypt from camel hair rope and shimmering fabric.

On the ground floor of the Bourse de Commerce, visitors can explore nine panels by Sigmar Polke that create a dynamic space blending opacity and transparency, shadow and light, past and present.

On the upper floor, the exhibition "Chiaroscuro" invites visitors to explore works by Romanian painter Victor Man, French artist Yves Tanguy, and Bill Viola, renowned for his architectural video installations. The display also features sculptures by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, French sculptor Germain Richier, and Polish artist Alina Szapocznikow. A few pieces by Danh Võ and Robert Gober are included as well, conveying a somewhat pessimistic view of humanity.

Meanwhile, the iconic Parisian cultural landmark is giving free rein to Laura Lamiel. She is showcasing a series of works, specially created for the occasion, across the twenty-four display cases within the Passage de la Bourse de Commerce.

Ultimately, the exhibition Clair-obscur showcases a predominant selection of large murals, complemented by several sculptures and videos. Contemporary art enthusiasts are likely to be captivated once again by many of the pieces on display. We recommend taking your time to fully appreciate some of these works and to better explore the stories behind the featured artists. It's also worth noting that several pieces within the museum are deliberately shrouded in darkness, emphasizing the installation's overarching theme. Through this new exhibit, the Bourse de Commerce aims to demonstrate that chiaroscuro is more than just a painting technique; it’s a dynamic visual language constantly evolving with new artistic expression.