Pharell Williams, Louis Vuitton Men’s creative director, returns to the art scene with FEMMES, now on view at Perrotin Paris. Following his 2014 curatorial debut, GIRL, this new group exhibition honours the artistic contributions of Black women and celebrates the multifaceted nature of Black womanhood.
Open to the public from March 20 to April 19, FEMMES delves into diverse interpretations of femininity, showcasing artwork in diverse mediums from 39 international artists, predominantly of African descent. The exhibition brings together different genders, generations, and cultural backgrounds, offering a powerful and inspiring installation that celebrates the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black women through contemporary art.
Since their first meeting in 2007, Pharrell Williams and Emmanuel Perrotin have cultivated a longstanding creative partnership. In addition to GIRL and FEMMES, the duo has developed an appreciation for Japanese art, collaborating with iconic artists such as Takashi Murakami, whose influence is also present in this latest venture. Both creatives hold each other in high regard – Pharrell admires Emmanuel’s refined taste and entrepreneurial spirit, while Emmanuel praises Pharrell’s diverse creativity and deep commitment to family. This respect and appreciation for family, as well as the women who have shaped Pharrell’s life—his wife, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and muses—serve as the inspiration for this collaboration.
FEMMES invites viewers to challenge their preconceived notions of beauty, power, and womanhood, offering an opportunity to engage with diverse expressions of femininity, ranging from celebratory to reflective. The curation aims to spark dialogue and introspection on what it means to be a Black woman in the art scene, which has traditionally been shaped by Western ideals.
FEMMES reflects Pharrell’s distinct aesthetic, blending various influences from a wide range of creative spheres. The exhibition highlights the pioneering works of African American art trailblazers Betye Saar and Carrie Mae Weems, alongside African matriarchs Seyni Awa Camera and Esther Mahlangu. Pharrell also offers a glimpse into his atelier’s visual repertoire, featuring works by Georgina Maxim, kenia Almaraz Murillo, Kapwani Kiwanga, Katia St. Hilaire, and Tandiwe Muriu.
Themes of motherhood and lineage unfold in pieces by Emma Prempeh, Mequitta Ahuja, and Joana Choumali. Todd Gray explores themes of inheritance, both material and spiritual, while Naomi Lulendo, Cinga Samson, and Gabriel Moses delve into the compelling influence of shadows.
Pop culture and its visual languages are intrinsic to both Pharrell’s and Perrotin’s creative identities. This influence is reflected in the works of Lauren Kelley and Nina Chanel Abney and extends into the conceptual realm through artists like Mickalene Thomas, Leslie Hewitt, Glenn Ligon, Gaëlle Choisne, and Tschabalala Self. Black portraiture also plays a central role in FEMMES, with artists such as Prince Gyasi, Zanele Muholi, Kenturah Davis, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, Reggie Burrows Hodges, Robert Pruitt, Henry Taylor, and Zéh Palito exploring the representation of Black identities and their evolving typologies.
The exhibition also highlights archival practices through the works of Malala Andrialavidrazana and Jess Atieno, who engage with history, memory, and the complex narratives embedded in visual imagery. Finally, Eden Tinto Collins, Theresa Chromati, and Kennedy Yanko push the boundaries of materiality and abstraction, employing innovative approaches to art.
Dedicated to promoting inclusivity in the art world, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge. Visitors can explore the show at Galerie Perrotin until March 19.
FEMMES is a must-visit for art lovers, collectors, and anyone eager to engage with the powerful narratives of Black women shaping the world today. This exhibition is an unmissable experience.
