Lydie Arickx unveils a monumental work in the nave of Saint-Eustache Church — our photos

France's second most important church in Paris after Notre-Dame, Saint-Eustache Church is a top pick, beloved by both Catholic worshippers and visitors. Art lovers also flock to admire this architectural gem. Yet the place of worship is equally known for housing contemporary art. Thus, the bronze triptych "La Vie du Christ" by American Keith Haring is once again on display in the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul chapel at Saint-Eustache. The building also hosts temporary contemporary works, such as Clara Daguin’s piece from late 2023.

This summer, Saint-Eustache Church unveils a monumental installation by French artist Lydie Arickx. On view from July 10 to September 29, 2026, the work is titled "Le Souffle" and occupies the great nave of the Parisian landmark.

For the occasion, artist Lydie Arickx has conceived a striking sculpture carved from aluminum, executed with astonishing refinement. Its tree-like form evokes deep-sea coral, but also the Tree of Life or the heart. Suspended seven meters above the ground, the work unfolds in the nave like a stained-glass leaf, engaging with the verticality of the Gothic edifice and the shifting natural light as the day goes on.

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Within the Saint-Eustache parish, labeled "Église verte", Lydie Arickx's installation invites meditation on the fragility of living beings.

A painter, draftswoman and sculptor, Lydie Arickx has been showcasing her work since the early 1980s, while taking part in prestigious international events such as Art Basel and FIAC. Recently, the artist was highlighted at the Château de Chambord with her exhibition Arborescences, presented in 2021.

This summer, Lydie Arickx returns to Paris with "Le Souffle", a monumental work to be experienced for free beneath the vaulted arches of Saint-Eustache Church from July 10 to September 29. The installation’s inauguration is scheduled for July 9, starting at 8 p.m. In parallel, note that the artist is also showing at the Loo&Lou Gallery in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, from July 10 to 31 and again from September 1 to 10, 2026.