PARIS.- Fine Arts Paris, an unmissable event of Paris’s autumn season, will be marked by a new venue, innovative digital solutions and a special layout to conform to today’s hygiene requirements. Changes in this year’s art-fair schedule will place the focus on this youthful event, whose fourth edition will take place in six months’ time – long enough to give us a clearer view of how the current health crisis will develop. Fine Arts Paris’s move to the prestigious Cour du Dôme des Invalides heralds the comeback of the art world after the disruptions of 2020.

The fair’s exacting standards for gallery selection, art-loving spirit and well-informed visitors have already won over the press and exhibitors. With its intimate atmosphere, inspired by the Salon du dessin, Fine Arts Paris brings together a maximum of 70 exhibitors. Its relatively small size makes it better suited than large art fairs to current health constraints. As with any event welcoming the public, the organizers will comply with all directives in force to ensure the safety of exhibitors and visitors.

The introduction of virtual salons has clearly demonstrated that there is nothing like seeing a work of art in real life and having face-to-face encounters with others. However, the fair is still developing innovative digital solutions to allow the participation of foreign exhibitors and visitors. Fine Arts Paris is looking into the creation of a virtual opening to present the stands and a selection of works, once vetted. The fair’s screening process, conducted by a commission of independent experts with no connection to the exhibitors, is a vital part of the show, insisted upon by the organizers and sometimes lacking at digital fairs.

As its name indicates, the fair is devoted to the Fine Arts, giving pride of place to painting, sculpture and works on paper, but it is also opening up to new specialties, notably African art, Asian art and bibliophily. Alongside loyal exhibitors such as the Steinitz, Xavier Eeckhout, Jill Newhouse and Marianne Rosenberg galleries, FINE ARTS PARIS will welcome new dealers, among them Didier Claes, Christian Deydier, Librairie Clavreuil, Royal Provenance and Brun Fine Arts of London.

Fine Arts Week, an off-site event offering private visits to partner institutions, will be devoted to sculpture this year. Fine Arts Paris is committed to this event, which will create synergy between collectors and institutions. A reduced number of visitors in each group will ensure that health guidelines are properly followed.

The fair’s scholarly conference will pay tribute to Geneviève Bresc-Bautier, former director of the Louvre’s sculpture department, known for her many publications.