Cover image: View of foyer for The Forging Years by Nathaniel Mary Quinn
© Entrée to Black Paris

Artworks by two Black male artists are currently being shown at tony galleries in the 8th arrondissement.

Nathaniel Mary Quinn's The Forging Years  at Gagosian

Upon entering the ample, white-walled space and viewing the paintings of Nathanial Mary Quinn at Gagosian, you may be underwhelmed by what could be considered the sparsity of the works displayed.  Several feet separate the composite portraits and scenes, most of which are small, and one could imagine oneself to be in a jewelry store where each gem is set apart from the others to command the viewer's full attention.

The Forging Years at Gagosian
© Entrée to Black Paris

Indeed, each work demands your undivided attention. 

Quinn produces composite portraits in oil paint, paint stick, oil pastel, charcoal, gouache, and soft pastel that simulate the appearance of torn-paper collage.  I found them to be mesmerizing.

The Bathtub, 2023
Oil paint, paint stick, oil pastel, and gouache on linen canvas stretched over wood panel
© Nathaniel Mary Quinn
Image by Entrée to Black Paris

Study for Invader, 2023
Black charcoal, gouache, and soft pastel on Coventry Vellum Paper
© Nathaniel Mary Quinn
Image by Entrée to Black Paris

Watch the artist explain his process in the video below (in English and French).

Nathaniel Mary Quinn was born in Chicago and lives and works in New York.

The Forging Works will be on display through July 29, 2023.

Gagosian
4, rue du Ponthieu
75008 Paris
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9)

Entrance to Gagosian Gallery
© Entrée to Black Paris

Ian Micheal's Intimités at Mariane Ibrahim

Not a five minute walk from Gagosian, Mariane Ibrahim is showing works by Detroit native/Oakland resident Ian Micheal in a show called Intimités (Intimacies).

Intimités at Mariane Ibrahim (ground floor)
© Entrée to Black Paris

The following quote from the Ibrahim Website explains the artist's intent regarding the displayed works:

“I explore my figure’s relationship towards each other, objects and the spaces they occupy and exist in. I like to produce images that tell a story or a memory... a place in time.” 

Intimités at Mariane Ibrahim (upstairs room)
© Entrée to Black Paris

From the info panel at the entrance to the show, we learn that Micheal chooses intimate settings in which to depict his subjects - places such as bedrooms, kitchens, and  front yards or backyards.  The figures themselves, all of which appear to be male, display various degrees of intimacy.

Come Rain or Shine was my favorite of the entire show.

Come Rain or Shine, 2023
Acrylic, oil, photo transfer and paper on canvas
© Ian Micheal
Image by Entrée to Black Paris

Intimités is the second showing that Ibrahim has organized for Micheal.  It will run through July 22, 2023.

Mariane Ibrahim
18, avenue Matignon
75008 Paris
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1 and 9); Miromesnil (Lines 9 and 13)

Intimités at Mariane Ibrahim (view from stairwell)
© Entrée to Black Paris