Théo Mercier and Thomas Houseago: a free joint exhibition at Reiffers Initiatives

Following the duos formed by Rashid Johnson and Kenny Dunkan (2021), Kehinde Wiley and Alexandre Diop (2022), Lorna Simpson and Gaëlle Choisne (2023), Ugo Rondinone and Tarek Lakhrissi (2024), not to mention Daniel Buren & Miles Greenberg (2025), Reiffers Initiatives unveils the names of the two artists newly brought together as part of its mentorship program. From October 23 to December 12, 2026, the space in the 17th arrondissement opens its doors to two contemporary artists, from different generations and backgrounds: the British artist based in Los Angeles Thomas Houseago and the French artist Théo Mercier.

The first artist, whose work blends sculpture and painting and centers on the human body, is a major figure on the international art scene. His most recent exhibition in Paris dates from 2019.

On his side, Théo Mercier has become a key figure on France’s contemporary art scene. With a practice that blends sculpture, installation, and theatrical staging, the artist has been mounting an ongoing string of exhibitions. He was a resident at the Villa Medici in 2013 and shortlisted for the Marcel Duchamp Prize in 2014.

• To be read
• Free exhibitions to explore this November 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
• Sculpture exhibitions: what you must see in Paris at the moment
• Contemporary art exhibitions to discover these days in Paris

This autumn, the two artists are taking part in the 6th edition of the Mentorat Reiffers Initiatives. The concept? Invite a leading, international figure in contemporary art to become the mentor of a French scene artist. This multi-month mentorship culminates in a joint exhibition by the duo, staged each autumn at the Reiffers Initiatives space on Rue des Acacias.

From October 23 to December 12, 2026, each artist will take over a floor of the Foundation to set up their studio. Thomas Houseago will transform the space beneath the skylight into a genuine artist’s workshop and creative hub. The British artist will also unveil a selection of his recent sculptures.  Théo Mercier will occupy the ground floor to present a series of structures housing ancient or found objects, as well as sculptures in progress or completed.

To explore their respective studios and dive into their artistic and creative worlds, visit Reiffers Initiatives from October 23 to December 12, 2026.