La Galerie de l'Instant is presenting a major photography exhibition titled "Vanessa Paradis Paradissime," celebrating the iconic French artist through the lens of renowned photographers. Since her explosive debut at age 14 with the unforgettable hit "Joe le taxi," Vanessa Paradis has become an integral part of our cultural landscape through music, cinema, and fashion. Through her work, consistency, and grace, she has won over even the most reluctant audiences and established herself as an important and respected personality.
Paradis has served as a muse to numerous musicians and filmmakers, and her unique photogenic qualities have inspired some of the greatest photographers of our time. Her collaboration with legendary photographer Jean-Baptiste Mondino began in 1990 when she worked with Serge Gainsbourg on the song "Tandem" and its accompanying music video. This marked the beginning of her extensive work with acclaimed photographers who captured different facets of her artistry.
Renowned rock photographer Claude Gassian followed Paradis on tour during her "Natural High" album campaign, becoming a close collaborator who documented her life on the road and the emotions she shared with her audiences. Meanwhile, Ellen von Unwerth masterfully captured Paradis's beauty, whimsy, and sensuality through numerous surprising and captivating photo sessions. The wonderful Paolo Roversi, also inspired by her elegance, managed to capture the intensity of her gaze like no other photographer.
The exhibition also features work by Kate Barry, who photographed Paradis in the 2000s, presenting her as part-elf, part-dancer, revealing an unexpected and captivating facet of the artist. The gallery is taking advantage of the release of Paradis's seventh studio album "Le retour des beaux jours" on Barclay Records to pay a fervent tribute to the artist and share her extraordinary life through photographs with the public.
The exhibition "Vanessa Paradis Paradissime" will run from October 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, at La Galerie de l'Instant, located at 46 rue de Poitou in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. The gallery's curator Julia Gragnon has assembled this comprehensive photographic journey through Paradis's career. Visitors can find more information at www.lagaleriedelinstant.com or follow the gallery on Instagram @lagaleriedelinstant.
