A Century of Chess: When the Game Inspires Art at the Perrotin Gallery

When artistic creation takes place here on a chessboard... In Paris, Galerie Perrotin showcases A Century of Chess, a group exhibition running from January 31 to February 28, 2026. Designed by R. Jonathan Lambert, this project brings together over twenty international artists around a shared theme: the game of chess and its lasting influence on modern and contemporary art. Painting, sculpture, photography, and installation form a journey that examines the many interpretations of this strategic, yet infinitely open, game. Beneath its seemingly strict exterior, the chessboard becomes a space for visual and conceptual experimentation.

• To be read
• Free exhibitions in February 2026: must-see events in Paris and the Île-de-France region
• New: exhibitions opening in February 2026 in Paris and the Paris Region
• The best deals in Paris and Île-de-France this week, from January 19 to 25, 2026

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.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.