Fondation Cartier

Fondation Cartier. Established in 1984 by Alain-Dominique Perrin, then CEO of the luxury goods company Cartier, this institution is dedicated to promoting contemporary art on an international scale. Initially located in Jouy-en-Josas near Paris, it moved to its iconic building on the Boulevard Raspail in the 14th arrondissement in 1994. Under the leadership of directors such as Marie-Claude Beaud and, since 1997, Hervé Chandès, it has become a pivotal force in the global art scene, known for its innovative exhibitions and support for artists across all disciplines.

History

The foundation was conceived by Alain-Dominique Perrin with the initial support of the Cartier corporation, aiming to create a corporate collection and a dynamic space for living artists. Its first home was the Château de Jouy-en-Josas, a historic site that hosted early exhibitions featuring artists like César and Raymond Hains. A pivotal moment came with the commission of a new building by architect Jean Nouvel, facilitating its relocation to the heart of Paris in 1994. This move coincided with an expansion of its mission, increasingly focusing on interdisciplinary projects that bridge visual arts, design, music, and performance art. Key historical exhibitions from this period include retrospectives for Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Lynch, establishing its reputation for bold curatorial choices.

Architecture

The foundation's building on the Boulevard Raspail is a seminal work of Jean Nouvel, completed in 1994 and celebrated for its integration of transparency and nature. The structure extensively employs glass and steel, creating a dialogue between the interior exhibition spaces and the surrounding garden, which was designed by artist Lothar Baumgarten. A central feature is the preserved Cedar of Lebanon tree, around which the building was literally constructed. This architectural philosophy extends the exhibition space into the landscape, a concept further explored in projects like The Great Animal Orchestra by Bernie Krause. The building itself is considered a key work of late-20th century French architecture and a functional part of the artistic experience.

Collections and exhibitions

The foundation does not maintain a permanent collection on display but operates through a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions and commissioned works. It has presented seminal solo shows for major international figures such as Takashi Murakami, William Eggleston, Sarah Sze, and Beatriz Milhazes. Its thematic exhibitions often explore the intersections of art and science, as seen in shows like *Mathematics: A Beautiful Elsewhere* curated by Mikhail Gromov and *The Great Animal Orchestra*. It has also been instrumental in promoting Indigenous Australian art, through exhibitions like *Araignées, lucioles et paons*. The program frequently includes live events, such as the *Nomadic Nights* series, featuring performances by artists like Patti Smith and Caetano Veloso.

Publications

An integral part of its mission, the foundation produces a wide array of high-quality publications that document and contextualize its exhibitions and artistic research. These include comprehensive exhibition catalogs, often becoming definitive references on artists such as Ron Mueck or Yan Pei-Ming. It also publishes theoretical works and monographs, like those accompanying the *Vivid Memory* exhibition or the survey of Chinese contemporary art. Special editions and artist's books, such as those created with Michele Oka Doner or Jean-Paul Gaultier, further extend the reach of its projects. These publications are distributed internationally, contributing to global art historical discourse.

Cultural impact

The Fondation Cartier has significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Paris and the international art world by championing artistic experimentation and cross-cultural dialogue. Its support has been crucial for the careers of numerous artists from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, providing a prestigious platform in a major European capital. Collaborations with institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Barbican Centre in London have amplified its reach. Furthermore, its engagement with pressing issues such as ecology, indigenous rights, and biodiversity through art has positioned it at the forefront of socially engaged cultural practice, influencing broader public discourse.

Category:Art museums and galleries in Paris Category:Contemporary art museums in France Category:Buildings and structures in the 14th arrondissement of Paris Category:Organizations established in 1984