The Atomic Age Exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris | Ticket Reservation

at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris until February 9, 2025

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THE EXHIBITION:

“The Atomic Age” takes place at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris from October 11, 2024 to February 9, 2025, offering a unique immersion in the intersection of art, science and politics in the 20th century. This major exhibition brings together more than 250 exceptional works and archival documents from prestigious collections around the world. It explores how the discovery of the atom and its applications, notably the nuclear bomb, profoundly influenced artistic creation and societal reflections. “The Atomic Age” at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris promises a captivating experience that resonates with contemporary issues and invites deep reflection on our shared history.

THE DISINTEGRATION OF MATTER: THE ARTIST FACING THE INVISIBLE

At the beginning of the 20th century, scientific advances in atomic structure and radioactivity upset traditional perceptions of matter and reality. Fascinated by these discoveries, artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint ventured into new forms of expression, seeking to represent the invisible and the spiritual. Kandinsky, considered a pioneer of abstraction, was inspired by these concepts to develop an aesthetic where shapes and colors transcend the visible world. Hilma af Klint, an avant-garde Swedish artist, explores mystical dimensions, creating works that anticipate the quantum concerns of matter.

The exhibition also presents the work of Marcel Duchamp, whose conceptual art was inspired by infra-sensible phenomena, questioning the artistic conventions of his time. By highlighting these visionary artists, The Atomic Age reveals how science served as a catalyst for an artistic revolution, paving the way for abstraction and conceptualism.

THE ATOMIC BOMB: ART FACES THE TRAGIC OF HISTORY

The explosion of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 marked a major turning point in human history, ushering in what is known as the “Atomic Age.” Artists reacted in diverse ways to this traumatic event. Some, like Jackson Pollock, translate the chaos and anguish of the time through innovative techniques like dripping. Others, such as Salvador Dalí and Francis Bacon, integrate atomic symbols into their works to comment on the fragility of the human condition and the irruption of tragedy.

The exhibition highlights the omnipresence of the image of the mushroom cloud, which became a powerful symbol in popular culture of the 1950s and 1960s. This iconography is analyzed through critical works by Sigmar Polke, Yves Klein and others, which question the spectacularization of explosions and technological imperialism. Archival documents, including poignant photographs of “Hibakusha” (bomb survivors), provide direct testimony to the devastation caused, highlighting the contrast between Western perception and the reality experienced in Japan.

POLITICAL AND ECOLOGICAL COMMITMENT: ARTISTS IN RESONATION WITH THE WORLD

From the 1970s, a new generation of artists adopted a committed stance in the face of the threats that nuclear power represents for humanity and the environment. The exhibition features works by Nancy Spero, who denounces the devastating effects of militarism on women, and Tetsumi Kudo, who explores the mutations of the human body in a post-atomic world. Ecological feminism is emerging as a key movement, with artists like Hélène de Beauvoir criticizing the impact of nuclear power on life.

Artistic collectives and sociopolitical movements are joining forces to protest “nuclear colonialism,” denouncing testing and exploitation on indigenous lands in the United States, Africa and the Pacific. The exhibition highlights these commitments through photographs, installations and documents, testifying to the toxic legacy left by nuclear activities.

Also referring to events such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters, The Atomic Age highlights the continued relevance of these issues. Contemporary artists, like Pierre Huyghe, question our relationship with technology and nature, offering a profound reflection on the survival of the species in a threatened environment.

WHY GO SEE “THE ATOMIC AGE” AT THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART IN PARIS?

To visit The Atomic Age at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, is to immerse yourself in a captivating exploration where art dialogues with science and politics to offer a unique perspective on the 20th century. This exceptional exhibition brings together major works and rare archival documents from the greatest international collections. It offers a unique look at the way in which artists not only reflected the upheavals of their time, but also contributed to shaping the debates around the atom and nuclear power.

Whether you are passionate about art, curious about science or sensitive to societal issues, The Atomic Age is an enriching experience that will encourage you to reflect on our shared history and current challenges. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover exceptional works and question the lasting impact of the atom on our world.

Book your ticket now at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris and immerse yourself in this intellectual and sensory adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

GET THERE:

Address : 11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris

SCHEDULES :

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• late night on Thursday until 9:30 p.m.
• closed on Monday

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