PARIS.- The Musée de Cluny in Paris today opened its doors to "Summoning Chimeras. Medieval Heritage in Contemporary Art," a captivating exhibition that forges a dialogue across centuries, placing medieval artworks in conversation with contemporary pieces. The exhibition explores the enduring question of how the Middle Ages continues to fuel the imaginations of artists working today.

A collaboration with the Fonds régional d’art contemporain (Frac) Île-de-France as part of their "Berserk & Pyrrhia" program, the show weaves approximately fifteen contemporary works from the Frac's collection and other artists into the museum's existing displays. This creates a fascinating interplay, where modern "chimeras" emerge from the backdrop of medieval artifacts.

A key theme explored is the shared fascination with the fantastic. The exhibition highlights how contemporary artists are drawn to the hybrid creatures and mythical beasts that populated medieval lore, often the same figures that inspire modern fantasy worlds. These artists tap into that rich vein of imagination, finding echoes of ancient wonder in today's world.

Visitors to the Cluny will encounter these contemporary interpretations throughout the museum. Sculptures morphing animal and plant forms, directly inspired by the myths and traditions that captivated medieval artisans, offer a fresh perspective on historical art. The exhibition also delves into the increasingly emotional nature of medieval religious practices towards the end of the period, drawing parallels with contemporary artistic expressions. Even the everyday life of the Middle Ages – its games, reading, and music – finds reflection in these modern pieces, prompting contemplation on the original, sometimes mystical, purposes of these historical objects.

Rather than simple imitation, the exhibition reveals how artists are taking medieval narratives and rituals and reinterpreting them through a modern lens, exploring timeless themes like love, friendship, belief, and even contemporary concepts like video games. It underscores the enduring resonance of ancient stories and ideas in contemporary culture.

Curated by Rémi Enguehard from Frac Île-de-France and Michel Huynh from the Musée de Cluny, "Summoning Chimeras" features works from artists such as Jacopo Belloni, Corentin Darré, and Alison Flora. The exhibition promises a thought-provoking exploration of how the past continues to shape our present and future creativity, and is now open for visitors to experience.