‘The Black woman endures a gravity unlike any other’: Pharrell Williams explores diverse interpretations of femininity in Paris

Pharrell Williams returns to the Perrotin gallery in Paris to curate 'Femmes,' a group exhibition dedicated to exploring diverse interpretations of femininity, with a specific homage to Black women. This follows his 2014 show 'GIRL,' named after his album, which also took place at the same gallery. The new exhibition features artwork from 39 international artists, predominantly Black, representing various genders and generations, with many pieces being newly created for the show. The artists include pioneers like 98-year-old Betye Saar and 89-year-old Esther Mahlangu, as well as emerging talents such as Kenyan photographer Thandiwe Muriu and British-Ghanaian-Vincentian painter Emma Prempeh. Renowned artists like Mickalene Thomas and Prince Gyasi, who shares synesthesia with Williams, are also featured. Emmanuel Perrotin, the French contemporary gallerist, explained that the selection of artists involved extensive brainstorming with Williams's team. The artworks delve into themes such as the body, fashion, motherhood, activism, queerness, and spirituality, aiming to challenge historical stereotypes associated with femininity. Despite the complexities of securing all desired artists due to gallery politics, Perrotin highlighted the strength and diversity of the final group. Williams emphasized the exhibition's focus on Black artists, stating that it stemmed from a desire to amplify the voices and visibility of female artists, particularly Black women, whose experiences he believes involve a unique "gravity." The collaboration between Williams and Perrotin began in 2007 through a mutual friend, Sabina Belli. Perrotin recalled meeting Williams at a pool party in Miami, where they immediately connected over art and a shared interest in design. Their initial work together involved designing a chair, spurred by Perrotin's observation of Williams's sophisticated store designs for Billionaire Boys Club. Williams credited Perrotin with helping him recognize his own artistic worth, even as a musician, citing Perrotin's early belief in his future success with songs like 'Happy' and 'Get Lucky.' Perrotin praised Williams's curatorial approach, noting his open-mindedness and lack of pretension regarding artists' fame or recognition. This freedom from conventional art world pressures allowed for the inclusion of many artists previously unknown to Perrotin's team, thereby broadening the exhibition's scope and vision. Williams described his own journey into art appreciation as acquired, learning from figures like Perrotin, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with and present such talented works. He also reflected on how his role as creative director at Louis Vuitton menswear has profoundly influenced his creative process and overall perspective, viewing it as an "artist's residency." Williams currently considers France his creative headquarters, and Perrotin acknowledged that their long-standing friendship and collaborations have not only changed his view of art but also his perspective on life. The exhibition features a comprehensive list of artists including Nina Chanel Abney, Mequitta Ahuja, Kenia Almaraz Murillo, Malala Andrialavidrazana, Jess Atieno, Seyni Awa Camara, Gaëlle Choisne, Joana Choumali, Theresa Chromati, Kenturah Davis, Alex Gardner, Todd Gray, Prince Gyasi, Leslie Hewitt, Reggie Burrows Hodges, Lauren Kelley, Kapwani Kiwanga, Glenn Ligon, Naomi Lulendo, Esther Mahlangu, Georgina Maxim, Gabriel Moses, Zanele Muholi, Thandiwe Muriu, Zéh Palito, Emma Prempeh, Robert Pruitt, Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe, Betye Saar, Cinga Samson, Tschabalala Self, Kathia St Hilaire, Tavares Strachan, Henry Taylor, Mickalene Thomas, Chiffon Thomas, Eden Tinto Collins, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kennedy Yanko. #PharrellWilliams #PerrotinGallery #FemmesExhibition #BlackWomen #ContemporaryArt #Femininity #ParisExhibition #ArtCurator #EmmanuelPerrotin #PharrellWilliams #PerrotinGallery #FemmesExhibition #BlackWomen #ContemporaryArt #Femininity #ParisExhibition #ArtCurator #EmmanuelPerrotin