The Perrotin gallery hosts an exhibition dedicated to art inspired by the game of chess.

The Perrotin Gallery in Paris is hosting a group exhibition titled A Century of Chess, exploring the impact of the game on modern and contemporary art. Running from January 31 to February 28, 2026, and curated by R. Jonathan Lambert, the show features works by Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Martin Parr, and William Wegman. Through paintings, sculptures, and photographs, it delves into the diverse artistic interpretations inspired by this deeply strategic game.

When art takes center stage on a chessboard! In Paris, Galerie Perrotin is dedicating an exhibition to chess and its influence on modern and contemporary art. Titled A Century of Chess, this group show runs from January 31 to February 28, 2026 and was conceived by R. Jonathan Lambert. It brings together over twenty international artists around a common theme: the enduring impact of chess on artistic creation. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations compose a journey that explores the many interpretations of this structured game—rigid yet open to endless visual and conceptual readings.

The exhibition brings together works spanning nearly a century, from historic pieces by Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray to more recent productions by Martin Parr and William Wegman. Some works confront the motif head-on, such as Jean-Philippe Delhomme's still lifes or Gregor Hildebrandt's pawn sculpture. Others adopt a more indirect approach, where the chessboard becomes a graphic, social, or poetic reference, notably in works by Lionel Estève, Lee Bae, and Nick Doyle. This dialogue across generations and mediums highlights the rich variety of interpretations inspired by a single game.

An Artistic Exploration of Infinity and the Rule

In his introductory remarks, R. Jonathan Lambert highlights the dual nature of chess: a game built on strict rules yet capable of generating an almost infinite number of possible moves. This ongoing tension has long captivated artists, from Duchamp, who dedicated himself deeply to it, to Michel Journiac and Lynn Chadwick. The exhibition offers a broad perspective on modern art history, where play becomes a powerful tool to explore form, chance, strategy, and our relationship with others.

Beyond the artworks on display, A Century of Chess also embraces an interactive dimension. Game boards are made available for visitors, inviting them to play right in the middle of the exhibition. Additionally, a chess tournament is scheduled to take place by registration on Saturday, February 14th, in collaboration with Blitz Society. This invitation to engage professionally extends the reflection sparked by the artists and reminds us that chess remains, above all, a shared experience. The exhibition thus acts as a crossroads between art history, playful practice, and contemporary perspective, giving visitors the freedom to continue the game on their own terms.

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