by Jeroslyn JoVonn
April 2, 2025
Pharrell Williams has a brand new artwork exhibit geared toward celebrating Black womanhood.
Pharrell Williams is the mastermind behind a brand new artwork exhibition in Paris, France, which he curated “to be an homage to Black ladies.”
“FEMMES,” on view at Perrotin Paris till April nineteenth, showcases works from 39 artists — primarily ladies — celebrating Black creativity whereas exploring themes of motherhood, id, and self-expression, Artwork Information reported. The exhibit reunites Williams along with his pal and gallerist, Emmanuel Perrotin, for a cross-generational showcase that includes daring canvases, blurred pictures, Black portraiture, display prints, and textile works — all collectively as a robust affirmation of Black womanhood.
“I wouldn’t be right here if it wasn’t for a Black girl,” Williams informed Wallpaper.
The exhibit marks Williams and Perrotin’s newest collaboration, following their 2008 exhibition Views, which showcased chairs designed by Williams, and the 2014 group present “G I R L,” that includes artists like Tracey Emin, Prune Nourry, and Guerrilla Ladies. “FEMMES” brings collectively a handpicked choice of ladies artists, together with Carrie Mae Weems, Betye Saar, Zanele Muholi, Esther Mahlangu, and Nina Chanel Abney.
“Once we thought of doing the present once more, we remembered how a lot influence it had and the way I used to be capable of leverage my platform. To provide quantity and visibility to feminine artists, how highly effective it felt,” Williams mentioned. “And as you think about every part that’s happening proper now, how way more impactful it could possibly be if we have been to do that one even a little bit extra targeted than earlier than. To be an homage to Black ladies.”
The exhibit options sculptures by artists similar to Kapwani Kiwanga, Chiffon Thomas, Kennedy Yanko, and Betye Saar, alongside a dynamic assortment of work by Tschabalala Self, Kathia St. Hilaire, Theresa Chromati, Zéh Palito, and Esther Mahlangu. Pictures additionally takes heart stage, with placing works by Zanele Muholi, Carrie Mae Weems, and Leslie Hewitt. As Louis Vuitton’s menswear director, Williams ensured textile artwork was effectively represented, showcasing items by Georgina Maxim, who repurposes materials to rewrite their histories; Tandiwe Muriu, who incorporates African textiles into her daring pictures; and Katia St. Hilaire, whose intricate tapestries reframe Haitian historical past.
“He has a really open thoughts to the artwork world,” Perrotin mentioned of Williams’ curation. “We organized this present with loads of freedom. And sure, [Pharrell’s] checklist stunned me. It [features] loads of artists I had no thought existed. And that’s why we take curators to find issues. To open the prism. It’s very fascinating.”
When introducing the present on March 20, Williams described the exhibit as an “set up itself” and expressed his humble gratitude to “give reverence to Black thought and estrogen.”
“FEMMES” is on view at Perrotin Paris, France, by April 19.
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