The decision by the Centre Pompidou-Metz to cancel an upcoming exhibition showcasing contemporary Franco-Creole, Caribbean French, and Guyanese art has sparked outrage among the artistic community. Nearly 150 artists, curators, and cultural figures have signed an open letter denouncing the abrupt cancellation of the exhibition titled “Van Lévé: Sovereign Visions from the Maroon and Creole Americas and Amazonia.”
The exhibition, which was scheduled to run from late October 2026 to early April 2027, aimed to bring together works from a diverse range of artists from the French Caribbean region. Artists such as Julien Creuzet, Gaëlle Choisne, and the late Hervé Télémaque were among those expected to participate in the show.
The cancellation came after a series of tense exchanges between the museum’s director, Chiara Parisi, and guest curator Claire Tancons. Tancons raised concerns about a scheduling conflict with another exhibition at the museum, Maurizio Cattelan’s “Endless Sunday,” which features the artist’s iconic middle-finger sculpture. Despite efforts to find a solution, the museum ultimately decided to call off the exhibition due to budgetary constraints.
In response to the cancellation, Tancons sent a letter to the French Ministry of Culture criticizing the museum’s decision and highlighting the challenges faced by curators promoting Afro-descendant and Caribbean artists. The open letter signed by artists participating in the exhibition condemned the cancellation, questioning the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices.
Despite the setback, the artists are determined to find an alternative venue to showcase their work. Tabita Rézaire, Jimmy Robert, Minia Biabiany, and Raphaël Barontini, among others, have expressed their commitment to ensuring that “Van Lévé” is presented to the public. Biabiany, who planned to exhibit her works at the exhibition, believes that another institution abroad will be eager to host the show.
The Centre Pompidou-Metz’s decision not to directly inform the artists about the cancellation has further fueled the disappointment within the artistic community. However, the artists remain resilient and hopeful about finding a new platform to share their creative expressions.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the exhibition has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by artists of diverse backgrounds in gaining recognition and support within the art world. Despite this setback, the artists involved in “Van Lévé” are determined to find a new venue to showcase their work and continue to amplify their voices in the cultural landscape.
