The Fondation Francès in Clichy, France, is hosting a groundbreaking manifesto exhibition titled "Everything is Political!" that will run until February 7, 2026. The exhibition transforms various forms of visual art - including photography, performance, painting, and installations - into powerful fields of commitment, emotion, and resistance against contemporary social and political issues.
Set against the backdrop of a world oversaturated with images and discourse, this comprehensive exhibition explores how contemporary artists are transforming the simple act of looking into meaningful political gestures. The curators have assembled works that challenge viewers to reconsider the relationship between art and activism, demonstrating how visual media can serve as vehicles for social commentary and change.
Photography takes center stage in this exhibition, featuring works by several internationally renowned artists who use the medium to address pressing social issues. Nan Goldin presents her deeply personal and intimate memories as a powerful cry against social violence, drawing from her own experiences to highlight broader systemic problems. Documentary photographer Raymond Depardon contributes works that question both the trace and truth of reality, examining how photography captures and sometimes distorts our understanding of the world around us.
The exhibition also features innovative contemporary artists who push the boundaries of traditional photography. Liu Bolin, known for his remarkable camouflage works, presents pieces that blur the contours of the visible world, challenging viewers' perceptions and raising questions about identity and belonging in modern society. Meanwhile, Spencer Tunick transforms the collective human body into a living manifesto through his large-scale nude installations, creating powerful statements about vulnerability, unity, and human connection.
According to the exhibition organizers, they have made the deliberate choice to introduce all the photographers featured in the show, ensuring that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of each artist's unique approach to political expression through visual media. This curatorial decision reflects the exhibition's commitment to showcasing the diverse ways in which contemporary artists engage with political themes.
The Fondation Francès, located at 21 Rue Georges Boisseau in Clichy, provides an intimate setting for this ambitious exhibition. Visitors can explore the works through February 2026, with additional information available on the foundation's website at www.fondationfrances.com. The extended run of the exhibition allows for in-depth engagement with these powerful artistic statements about the political nature of contemporary visual culture.
