Propos d’Europe 8.0 – Paris/Berlin

In 2008, the Hippocrene Foundation is presenting the works of German artists living in Paris as part of an exhibition organised under the patronage of the German Embassy in Paris in partnership with the Goethe–Institut, both of which embraced this project with open arms, for which we would like to sincerely thank them. This is the first time that “Propos d’Europe” is specifically focusing on enhancing French-German relations. We are particularly delighted to be doing so this year, just a few months after the Eiffel Tower was lit up in blue and golden stars representing the European flag, and just a few months before the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
“Paris/Berlin” is a now-classic title that has given rise to countless exhibitions following on from the one held at the Pompidou Centre in 1978. Recently, several events were organised around this theme and Propos d’Europe 8.0 subscribes to this dynamic.
It is unique in two respects. On the one hand, it is being organised by a private, independent European foundation whose actions are different from those of public and market institutions. “Neither a museum nor an arts centre, the Hippocrene Foundation is meant to be a dynamic meeting place for painters, musicians, philosophers, psychoanalysts and writers, bound by a common desire to transcend national boundaries” (Jean Guyot). On the other hand, Propos d’Europe 8.0 is displaying paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and videos by German artists who have decided to live in other countries – in this case France – whose language they speak as they concretely immerse themselves in another culture. Their works reflect this human commitment to the life of a “citizen of the world” – one that transcends boundaries without renouncing its roots – and are in line with the vision of the Foundation.