10 art exhibitions not to miss this autumn in Paris

The return to real life after France's summer pause can be painful, but there is such a good crop of exhbitions coming up that it almost takes away the pain from going back to work.

Whether it's the brand names like Salvador Dali and Jeff Koons or artists who are famous among those who know art, this autumn promises a heaping dose of both. Yet all of them are only on display for the next couple months.

Here are the 10 show you should go see before they are gone:

• Marcel Duchamp, Centre Pompidou

Marcel Duchamp, the father of contemporary art, has been described as one of the most influential artists of the 20^th century.

This massive exhibition aims to show French people the true importance of his work, which is greatly admired outside France, but less so inside of it. Runs from September 24^th  to January 5^th.

• Katsushika Hokusai, Grand Palais

Five hundred works from the famous 18th century Japanese artist, who is well known for his painting “The big wave of Kanagawa”, will be on display.

It's a great opportunity to see artwork that has become emblematic of Japan. Runs from October  1^st  to January 18^th .

• William Eggleston , Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson

Bringing together more than 150 pictures taken by the American photographer, the Fondation Cartier presents for the first time in France a broad range of Eggleston’s work.

It traces his early days in black and white pictures to his later career when he discovered colour photography. He is credited with pushing galeries to accept colour photos as a serious art form. Runs from September 9^th  to December 21^st .

• Pascal Maître, Maison Européenne de la Photo

Over the course of this photographer's travels to 13 of the 40 countries in Africa he considered himself to be doing the work of a reporter. He managed to get to places where nobody else did and crossed boundaries nobody dared to, armed only with his camera.

His pictures show the different faces, realities and landscapes of a continent that remains a mystery to many of us. Runs from September 10^th to November 2^nd.

• The Borgias, Musée Maillol

Jewellery, paintings, clothings and armour help relate the incredible story of the Borgias, who became a symbol of the moral decadence of the wealthy families of the renaissance.

Sex, scandal, murder, incest, nothing of the family's story escapes the attention of this exhibition. Runs from September 17^th to February 15^th.

• Jeff Koons,  Centre Pompidou

The famous American artist, star of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, is famous for his kitsch style and colourful creations. He'll make a grand return to Paris in the grey month of November.

It ‘s light, it’s fun and it’s definitely a must-see. Runs from November 26^th to April 27^th .

• Gary Winogrand, Jeu de Paume

This is the first exhibition in Paris for this American master of photography, whose work focused on depicting post-World War II America.

From the 1950’s to the 1980’s his pictures embodied the essence of American life and society. Some of his best work will be brought together in this comprehensive exhibition. Runs from October 14^{th to} February 8^th .

• Sonia Delaunay, Musée d’Arts Moderne de la ville de Paris

Sonia Delaunay is, along with her husband Robert Delaunay, one of the great figures of abstract painting. But unlike him, she experimented with a variety of mediums, which ranged from painting to posters to designing objects and clothes.

This exhibit recounts her life and work, exposing more than 400 of her creations. Runs from October 17^th  to February 22^nd . 

• Salvador Dali, Espace Dali

Dali’s mark on the world of modern art extends beyond the world of galeries and museums. To create this new exhibit 20 street artists created works directly inspired by Dali. With this project, they show the impact of surrealism on today’s urban art and artistic sensibilities.

The result is impressive. Runs from September 11^th to March 15^th.

• Maya , Musée du Quai Branly

For those who like travelling and are fascinated by history this exhibit is a good bet.

Presenting a series of objects, statues and art works belonging to the great pre-Hispanic Mayan nation, the exhibit explains their beliefs, culture and history. Runs from October 7^th to February 8^th .

 By Léa Surugue