For art and culture enthusiasts, this year still holds two unique events in iconic European cities. Both exhibitions offer an opportunity to experience firsthand the impact of art and design on contemporary culture while exploring the rich tapestry of ideas and inspirations that shaped these remarkable creations. Whether in Paris or Amsterdam, these shows promise an enriching experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between art, fashion, and identity.
The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Paris
From September 20, 2024, to May 4, 2025
Curated by Olivier Saillard and Gaël Mamine, the exhibition follows the opening show at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, which runs until May 4, 2025. For the first time, the two museums have joined forces to organize a joint exhibition dedicated to an important theme in the designer’s work. Passionate about flowers, Yves Saint Laurent shared his admiration for nature with many artists and writers, particularly one of his favorite authors, Marcel Proust. The more than thirty selected garments and drawings in The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent exhibition showcase this symbiosis between nature, literature, and Yves Saint Laurent’s work. Like a book, each chapter of the exhibition combines Proust’s quotations with Yves Saint Laurent’s floral silhouettes, accessories, and drawings. And, like a garden, flowers are everywhere, revealing the creator’s personality and tastes: from the lily-of-the-valley, so dear to Christian Dior, to the YSL logo with its lily-shaped monogram, and the roses symbolizing his love for Moroccan bougainvillea.
The first embroideries applied to a spring-summer 1962 dress, the patterns of the spring-summer 2001 collection, an unforgettable reference to Pierre Bonnard’s paintings, the silk flowers used on the runway by Laetitia Casta, who walked as a bride in the summer of 1999… There are many examples of YSL’s art to discover in person in Paris starting September 20.
Ana Lupas, On This Side of the River Elbe, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Until September 15, 2024
This is the first comprehensive overview of Ana Lupas’ work (1940, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), on display at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Lupas emerged in the 1960s as one of the leading Eastern European artists of her generation. Her career, spanning more than six decades, is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to artistic expression amidst challenging political circumstances. The Romanian artist’s work remains relevant, echoing contemporary themes of resistance, individuality, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Grounded in a deep engagement with the landscape, natural materials, and local communities, her practice embraces a return to ancient values threatened by large-scale modernization, revealing a profound connection with nature and a desire to restore harmony. Lupas’ varied oeuvre includes textiles, sculptures, and installations, showcasing traditions, rituals, and local narratives, and revealing her deep exploration of history and identity.
