Curiosity and excitement filled the aisles of the Paris+ par Art Basel art fair during its rainy preview days, with a focus on the emerging galleries sector featuring 14 galleries. This second edition of Paris+ held in the Grand Palais Éphémère generated a buzz, and some even speculated it might rival the flagship fair in Switzerland.

Amidst this burgeoning art scene, we’ve handpicked five promising artists who caught our attention in the rising talent section.

  1. Jenna Bliss (born 1984)
    • Who: Jenna Bliss, a New York-based filmmaker and multimedia artist, stands out for her satirical and critical work, often touching on topics such as Wall Street, the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and modern technology.
    • Showing at: Felix Gaudlitz, Vienna
    • Why You Should Pay Attention: Bliss’s solo booth, “True Entertainment,” at Felix Gaudlitz, features a new series of works, including a short film and light boxes. The film is set in 2007, just before the Wall Street crash, and humorously depicts the setup of an art fair, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Art Basel Miami Beach.
    • Notable Resumé Line: Bliss has garnered institutional interest in Europe, with exhibitions in Switzerland and Germany.
    • Up Next: An exhibition at Haus am Waldsee in Berlin next year.
  2. Pol Taburet (born 1997)
    • Who: Paris-born Pol Taburet is known for his dynamic paintings that combine figuration and abstraction, often featuring brightly colored figures against bold abstract backgrounds.
    • Showing at: Balice Hertling, Paris
    • Why You Should Pay Attention: Taburet’s work was featured in his first institutional exhibition at Lafayette Anticipations. His art is also part of the Pinault Collection.
    • Notable Resumé Line: Winner of the Reiffers Art Initiatives Prize and a nominee for the Prix Fondation Pernod Ricard.
    • Up Next: A solo show at the Longlati Foundation in Shanghai next spring.
  3. Antonio Tarsis (born 1995)
    • Who: Antonio Tarsis creates geometric, abstract assemblages from discarded matchboxes and other materials. His work has expanded to include embroidery and screen prints.
    • Showing at: Carlos/Ishikawa, London
    • Why You Should Pay Attention: Tarsis’s experimental practice has evolved over the years, with exhibitions in London and São Paulo.
    • Notable Resumé Line: Participation in the 13th edition of the Bienal do Mercosul.
    • Up Next: A solo show at Art Basel Miami Beach.
  4. Simphiwe Buthelezi (born 1996)
    • Who: Simphiwe Buthelezi’s work draws from Zulu culture and traditions, using weaving and materials like sand, seeds, beads, and sea shells. Her art revisits ancestral healing rituals and metallurgy.
    • Showing at: Smac, Cape Town
    • Why You Should Pay Attention: Buthelezi’s solo show at Smac explores an oceanic theme and features captivating sculptural work.
    • Notable Resumé Line: Participation in the Young Congo Biennale and exhibitions in Milan and South Africa.
    • Up Next: Work presentation at Investec Cape Town Art Fair and a solo show at Smac.
  5. Jeanne Vicerial (born 1991)
    • Who: Jeanne Vicerial creates figurative textile sculptures that merge art and haute couture. Her work is meticulously crafted from kilometers of threads, often depicting recumbent and standing statues.
    • Showing at: Templon (Paris/Brussels/New York)
    • Why You Should Pay Attention: Vicerial had her first gallery exhibition, “Armors,” earlier this year and exhibited at notable venues, including the Basilica of Saint-Denis.
    • Notable Resumé Line: Collaboration with Leslie Moquin at Fondation Thalie in Arles.
    • Up Next: Participation in Contemporaine de Nîmes and a residency at Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto in 2025.

These talented artists are poised to make waves in the contemporary art scene, and the future holds exciting opportunities for their growth and recognition. Stay tuned for their upcoming exhibitions and shows.