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Sceners Gallery: Where Past Meets Present in Paris
Located at 88 Boulevard de Ménilmontant in Paris, Sceners Gallery presents a unique fusion of historical and contemporary design. The gallery, housed in a building originally designed by Gustave Eiffel’s team, hosts a curated blend of old and new, reshaping how visitors experience design by embracing the concept of anachronism. The building that houses Sceners Gallery is a protected and classified structure, adding a layer of historical significance to its role as a contemporary art and design space. The gallery integrates this architectural history with its exhibitions, creating a dialogue between the building’s heritage and the works on display. Deepening the interplay between the exhibited objects and their environment, this architectural backdrop enhances the gallery’s exploration of time and design.
For Then and Now, the inaugural show which opened during the week of Art Basel Paris and Design Miami.Paris 2024, Sceners presents a selection of historic and contemporary design, with pieces by Rick Owens, Serge Mouille, Charlotte Perriand and more.
image © designboom
a SELECTION OF HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Sceners Gallery curates each exhibition with a focus on bridging different eras. By highlighting a dialogue between historical craftsmanship with contemporary design, the gallery invites visitors to reflect on the evolution of artistic expression. Setting the stage for future presentations, the inaugural exhibition honors the techniques and artistry of earlier periods while simultaneously showcasing innovative, modern works. This thoughtful mix allows for a quiet, layered reflection on how history and modernity intersect.
The design of Sceners Gallery goes beyond the simple presentation of objects. It presents an immersive environment where light, architecture, and design come together to create a dynamic experience. Each exhibition is carefully curated to blur the boundaries between the past and the present, encouraging a deeper conversation about design and its evolving role in shaping spaces and ideas.
image © Jan Liégeois
INSIDE THE GALLERY’S INAUGURAL SHOW, ‘Then and Now’
The gallery’s debut exhibition, titled ‘Then and Now,’ brings together works that explore the sinuous lines of 20th-century design, where formally and conceptually sculptural pieces strike a balance between functionality and creative expression. The exhibition showcases works that challenge conventional notions of comfort and discomfort, offering a fresh perspective on decorative arts.
In collaboration with curator Hélène Nguyen-Ban, the newly opened Sceners Gallery expands its focus to include painting alongside its design pieces. Artists such as Steven Parrino, Takesada Matsutani, and Yves Klein, along with designers like Carlo Bugatti and Rei Kawakubo, anchor the exhibition while also pushing the boundaries of their respective fields. This combination opens new spaces for experimentation and dialogue between different artistic disciplines.
The inaugural exhibition includes a range of renowned designers and artists, including Koloman Moser, Rick Owens, Shiro Tsujimura, Shiro Kuramata, Osvaldo Borsani, and Franco Albini. The works of these creators, alongside pieces by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Serge Mouille, Jorge Zalszupin, and Ed Ruscha, offer a rich exploration of both form and function. Their diverse contributions create a vibrant and evolving conversation about design’s role in art and everyday life.
image © Jan Liégeois
image © Jan Liégeois
image © designboom