Chiharu Shiota at the Grand Palais

From December 11, 2024 to March 19, 2025, the Grand Palais in Paris invites its visitors to immerse themselves in a world of emotions and reflection with the most ambitious retrospective ever devoted to Chiharu Shiota.

The exhibition The Soul Trembles , co-organized with the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, offers an immersive and poetic exploration of the universe of this renowned Japanese artist.

This event resonates with Galerie Joseph 's ongoing commitment to promoting culture and art. Through its diverse exhibitions, its various art galleries showcase talented artists and captivating projects, while also addressing relevant themes in its magazine, Acumen , a true reflection of current artistic and cultural events. It's a space where art is expressed and shared with depth and sensitivity.

A Monumental Retrospective

With over 1,200 square meters of exhibition space, The Soul Trembles brings together more than twenty years of artistic creation. The exhibition features sculptures, drawings, personal archives, and, most notably, seven monumental installations that dramatically dominate the space.

Among these installations, Uncertain Journey (2016/2024) immediately captures the viewer's attention. With its 280 kilometers of interwoven red threads, this work creates a gigantic cocoon that invites visitors to explore their own inner selves. Another major piece, In Silence (2002/2024), features a charred piano and empty chairs, all enveloped in a complex network of black threads. This poignant installation reflects themes of memory and loss, while also prompting the viewer to consider human resilience.

Chiharu Shiota: The Art of Creating Connections

Born in Osaka in 1972 and based in Berlin, Chiharu Shiota has developed a unique style where intertwined threads become metaphors for human relationships and emotions. Red for passion, black for mystery—each color conveys emotion. Her work is not limited to aesthetics; it transcends cultural boundaries and explores universal themes such as dreams, temporality, and the fragility of life.

Regularly exhibited abroad, Shiota notably represented Japan at the Venice Biennale in 2015. Her artistic language weaves a web between art and life, uniting the viewer and the work in a unique sensory experience.

A Spectacular Set Design

The exhibition design at the Grand Palais, by Atelier Jodar, beautifully showcases Shiota 's installations . The venue's imposing dimensions provide a majestic setting where each work can fully express itself. Visitors are immersed in worlds woven from threads, where the boundary between reality and imagination becomes blurred.

Among the most striking installations, Where Are We Going? (2017) features suspended boats covered in white threads, creating an ethereal and meditative atmosphere. Another work, composed of suitcases suspended by red cords, prompts the viewer to reflect on travel—whether physical or spiritual. These installations transform an ephemeral space into an extraordinary stage for artistic expression.

These works also resonate in ephemeral spaces like those of Galerie Joseph, located in the heart of Paris. As both an art gallery and a modular space, Galerie Joseph illustrates how such venues can showcase immersive contemporary creations. With its unique layout, it offers the perfect flexibility to host artists who want to engage visitors.

A Rewarding Family Experience

To make the exhibition accessible to everyone, the Grand Palais offers specific activities for families. Children can discover Shiota's world through:

• Children's cartels, at the level of the youngest children, who explain the works in a playful way.
• A game bookletallowing 7-11 year olds to transform their visit into a creative adventure.
• A mobile applicationoffering interactive content and anecdotes about the artist.

These initiatives allow families to engage with art in an intuitive and engaging way, further highlighting the importance of art galleries and pop-up spaces in democratizing the artistic experience. With extended hours during the holiday season, everyone can find the time to enjoy this unique experience as a family.

An Invitation to Dream and Feel

The Soul Trembles is not just an exhibition—it's an experience that is both personal and universal. By weaving threads, Chiharu Shiota invites each visitor to explore their own emotions, while discovering the beauty and complexity of human connections. Until March 19, 2025, the Grand Palais is transformed into a space where art and soul meet.

In keeping with this approach, Galerie Joseph continues to play a major role by offering temporary spaces and art galleries tailored to contemporary artists. These unique venues allow for experiencing art in all its depth, while creating moments of sharing and emotion.

With such a rich program and immersive scenography, these contemporary art spaces offer a unique opportunity for cultural exploration. Don't miss this exceptional encounter with the world of Chiharu Shiota. To book your tickets and find out more, visit the Grand Palais website.

This exhibition transcends the simple notion of an art visit. It brings together all the necessary ingredients to thrill art and culture lovers through captivating creations in spaces of rare intensity. An unmissable experience to experience the magic of contemporary art in its most human light.

To learn more about the art galleries at Galerie Joseph