Nathalie Leroy Fiévée: Spotlight on Artists of African Descent as part of the "Paris Noir" exhibition

From the founding of the magazine *Présence africaine* to that of *Revue noire*, the exhibition “Paris noir” traces the presence and influence of Black artists in France between the 1950s and 2000s. It showcases 150 artists of African descent, from Africa to the Americas, whose works have…

From the founding of the magazine Présence africaine to that of Revue noire, the exhibition “Paris noir” traces the presence and influence of Black artists in France between the 1950s and 2000s. It showcases 150 artists of African descent, from Africa to the Americas, whose works have often never been shown in France. (source: Centre Pompidou). This major exhibition features four installations created specifically for the occasion by Valérie John, Nathalie Leroy Fiévée, Jay Ramier and Shuck One, offering contemporary perspectives on this history. At the heart of the exhibition, a circular structure evokes the Black Atlantic, transforming the ocean into a disc, a metaphor for the Caribbean and the ‘Tout-Monde’, a term borrowed from the Martinican poet Édouard Glissant to symbolise the Parisian space. The exhibition, which focuses on movements, networks and friendships, presents itself as a living and often original cartography of Paris.  

Spotlight on Nathalie Leroy Fiévée

1. A Distinguished Artistic Career: Born in Cayenne, French Guiana, in 1971, Nathalie Leroy Fiévée made her mark on the art world by joining the Beaux-Arts de Paris in 1992, in Claude Viallat’s studio. She graduated in 1998 with honours, a recognition that highlights her talent and determination.

2. A Foundational Series: Her gouache series "Origines", begun in 1996, is regarded by Nathalie as the very essence of her work. Inspired by a study trip to the United States, where she encountered indigenous peoples of Arizona and New Mexico, this series marks the beginning of her exploration of roots and identity through art.

3. An Animist Vision of Art: Nathalie Leroy Fiévée is distinguished by an animist approach to painting, freeing her work from traditional figurative constraints to embrace a freer, more abstract aesthetic. This vision allows her to explore profound themes such as memory, identity and connection to the earth.

4. Commitment to Spaces and Context: The artist attaches particular importance to the venue and context in which her works are presented. Adopting an in situ approach, she regards the exhibition space as an integral part of her work, using the environment to enrich and give meaning to her creations.

5. A Notable Presence on the Art Scene: Since her first verified exhibition in 2000 at the Galerie Jean Fournier in Paris, Nathalie Leroy Fiévée has exhibited regularly in France and internationally, notably in the United States and Germany. Her works have been featured in solo and group exhibitions, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary art.

  Nathalie Leroy Fiévée continues to fascinate and inspire with her unique approach to art, exploring universal themes through the prism of her heritage and personal experiences.