Renée Levi, the internationally acclaimed abstract artist, presents La Elle, her latest solo exhibition at Paris’s renowned Palais de Tokyo, running through May 11, 2025. Known for her immersive, large-scale installations that redefine public and private spaces, Levi’s La Elle brings her signature vibrant color and monumental style to the museum’s entrance, foyer, and façades, transforming the site into an exploration of feminine presence and identity.
Renée Levi: From Istanbul to Paris—A Unique Artistic Journey
Born in Istanbul in 1960 and based in Basel, Levi’s path from architecture to visual art has fueled her signature fusion of structure and abstraction. Her journey began with architecture studies and work at Herzog & de Meuron, eventually leading her to art studies at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). This unique blend of architecture and painting has earned her awards like the Meret Oppenheim Prize and the Geneva Arts Society Prize. Over the years, Levi has exhibited at prestigious institutions across Europe, including Le Crédac in Ivry-sur-Seine, Villa du Parc, and the Lyon Biennale, and created prominent public art installations, like those at Switzerland’s Innovation Park and the Swiss Federal Palace.
Why La Elle at Palais de Tokyo is a Must-See
Levi’s La Elle (“She” in French) is both powerful and personal. This exhibition marks her return to Paris with a work that seamlessly blends her architectural roots and abstract expressionism. The title itself, a feminine pronoun, speaks to Levi’s exploration of feminine identity within a traditionally masculine art form, with each work named for a woman as part of her long-standing practice.
To celebrate Levi’s work during Paris Art Week, Öktem Aykut, an Istanbul gallery that has showcased her art, is hosting a concurrent series at Paris Internationale. Levi’s relationship with Istanbul is further highlighted in Bir İsim ve Bir Yer (A Name and A Place), a documentary that premiered at the Istanbul Film Festival, exploring her artistic evolution and ties to the city.
Levi’s works are featured in major collections, including Istanbul Modern, underscoring her global impact. La Elle at Palais de Tokyo is a landmark event, blending art, architecture, and identity, and promises an unforgettable experience for art lovers and fans of abstract expressionism.
