Paris' "Circulation(s)" Festival Celebrates Europe's Best Young Photographers

NEWS | March 24, 2020

"La Trilogie du Bonheur" © Marvin Bonheur.

At Paris' cultural center Centquatre, the Circulation(s) festival presents a myriad of promising young artists.

It's one of the biggest annual events in contemporary photography. Naturally, a group exhibition combining high standards, popularity, and accessibility in the same curatorial program makes for an exciting occasion. Since its launch in 2011, the festival has featured the work of young European photographers via workshops, conferences, performances, portfolio reviews, activities for kids, and of course, an enormous exhibition. On this year's agenda: nearly 300 artworks by 42 artists hailing from 16 different countries, hand-selected by a renowned jury.

In coordination with the artistic committee, the exhibit's independent curator Audrey Hoareau ensures that the organization of the festival reflects Europe's image. "In the time of Brexit, where we're seeing a rise in nationalist and populist movements, it's time to strengthen connections," she explains in the event's press release. From March 15 to May 10, Circulation(s)' diverse program this year is at once resilient and optimistic. A mirror of our times and proof of Europe's artistic vitality, visitors will enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a rising generation of artists — its hopes, fears, and commitments.

The exhibition is nestled in the Centquatre, a well-known cultural center in the 19th arrondissement, filling the expansive 2000m2 space. The 2020 edition will place its focus on Belorussia in order to explore its still-underground art scene. Taking the long view on emerging contemporary art, the festival assembles a brilliant constellation of talented artists who are often entirely unknown in France. With surprises in store for even the most seasoned exhibition-goer, we loved Marwan Bassiouni's dreamlike collages and Tamara Eckhardt's portraiture.