Various and assorted objects: Song Dong's free, monumental, and immersive exhibition at Le Bon Marché

For its 11th edition, the January art showcase at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche pays tribute to Song Dong, the renowned Chinese artist renowned for transforming everyday objects into living memory. From January 10 to February 22, 2026, his free exhibition, "Various and Diverse Objects – 百货 (baihuò)", takes over the store's showcases, features two large-scale installations beneath the glass roof, and immerses visitors in an interactive experience on the second floor.

From January 10 to February 22, 2026, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche kicks off its 11th edition of the annual January Art Exhibition, a cherished cultural tradition that sets the tone for contemporary creativity each year. In 2026, the spotlight is on the free exhibition “Objects of All Kinds – 百货 (baihuò)” by Song Dong. A key figure in Chinese contemporary art, Song Dong elevates everyday objects to symbols of collective memory, inviting viewers to reflect on shared histories and cultural significance.

The artist delves into urban transformation and the meaning behind the objects we hold onto, reimagining reclaimed materials and personal mementos. Through performance, video, installation, sculpture, photography, and painting—her diverse practice breathes new life into each element, imbuing it with layers of significance. Her iconic piece Waste Not, showcased at MoMA in New York in 2009, is particularly memorable—personal belongings kept by her mother telling a story that’s both deeply intimate and socially resonant.

This edition transforms the storefront windows of Bon Marché Rive Gauche into an interactive installation. Following a call issued last October, customers and staff contributed an object purchased at Bon Marché, along with its personal story, which was then curated by the artist. The exhibition also unfolds beneath the glass roof, where two large-scale installations stand on either side of the central escalator. It continues upstairs on the second floor with an immersive experience. This journey prompts visitors to reflect on the value of what we keep, the mark of time, and the silent shifts in our lifestyles.

Since 2016, January has become synonymous with art at Le Bon Marché: Ai Weiwei, Joana Vasconcelos, Prune Nourry, Subodh Gupta, Daniel Buren, Ernesto Neto… and now, Song Dong. This time, we see consumption in a different light… here, each object tells a story worth displaying in a showcase.

Various and eclectic objects: Song Dong’s free, monumental, and immersive exhibition at Le Bon Marché

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