In the heart of Paris, Galerie Les Filles du Calvaire is hosting the compelling exhibition “Empreintes: du geste au langage” from July 8 to September 20, 2025, curated by Pierre El Khoury. The show explores the layered meaning of the French word “empreintes”—which translates to “impressions” or “footprints”—and examines how gestures can transform memory and movement into a visual language.
Bringing together the works of three artists—Alexandre Fandard, Mariana Hahn, and Giovanni Leonardo Bassan—who reside in Paris but come from diverse international backgrounds, the exhibition highlights how impressions become lasting artistic expressions through a wide range of materials, from canvas to copper, clay to fabric.
Alexandre Fandard’s work delves into his Martinican heritage and the legacy of colonialism. His standout pieces include a sculpture of the “chien fer” (iron dog), a spiritual guardian from Martinique, and video performances interwoven with poetry. Mariana Hahn explores themes of alchemy and transformation in her monumental textile works, incorporating abstracted script and copper-salt installations. Giovanni Leonardo Bassan presents intimate oil paintings on wood and lush, imagined landscapes, visualizing the fleeting traces of the human body and the projection of dreams into reality.
“Empreintes” is a profound exploration of the marks left by time and the human body, investigating how gestures take on enduring significance. Engaging with both personal and universal themes, the exhibition offers a visually and conceptually rich experience—one that invites visitors to reflect on the traces we leave behind.
If you’re in Paris, this thought-provoking exhibition is not to be missed.
Photos: Les Filles du Calvaire
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