by A.I. M. Kovalevsky
Once again, Art Capital 2025 has transformed the Grand Palais into a vibrant hub of contemporary artistic expression, bringing together a international talents. This year’s edition reaffirmed the fundamental role of art as a mirror of our time, capturing the shifting currents of society, culture, and human experience.
Beyond its rich display of contemporary talent, Art Capital 2025 served as a stage for artistic recognition, where outstanding works were celebrated for their innovation, technical mastery, and profound cultural significance. The Salon des Artistes Français, with its historical legacy dating back to the 17th century, continued to play a pivotal role in this tradition, bestowing accolades that underscore the evolving landscape of artistic expression.
Eydis Valia, Souffle, etching
Among the distinguished honorees, Lee Chayoung received the Silver Medal for Des Ombres et des Lumières, a mixed-media mosaic evoking a dialogue between absence and presence. The work’s intricate layers and depth captured the jurors’ admiration, affirming the artist’s place within the contemporary mosaic.
Lookha was awarded an honorable Mention for Take Up a Government Post at (…), acrylic painting that resonated with a nuanced exploration of power, and the shifting nature of our society.
A particularly poignant moment came with the conferral of the Honor Medal to Jean-Pierre Mosca for his photographies Renaissance I & II, tribute to the reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris. Capturing the cathedral’s rebirth under scaffoldings, Mosca’s documentation became a poetic reflection on resilience, history, and the power of human endeavor.
Lookha, Take up a government post at (…), acrylic painting
The exhibition presented a remarkable diversity of artistic voices, each offering a unique perspective on the world. Among them, Ange captivated audiences with Global Warning, wood assembly depicting a mammoth, an eloquent commentary on climate change – earning him the Prix Arthur Leduc. (see upper photo)
Philip Ka transported once again the viewers with his timeless floral photography, a meditation on nature’s fleeting beauty, while Go Segawa mesmerized with geometric illusions that played with perception and dimensionality. Bridging Eastern and Western artistic traditions, Hyun Young Lee unveiled a delicate, thought-provoking installation, and Bins Michèle’s digital work, Lacrimosa, delved into the depths of human emotion, earning the Bronze Medal from the Salon des Artistes Français.
Michèle Bins, Lacrimosa, digital work
Philip Ka, Bouquet carré, digital photography
The vibrant delicacy of Jan K.’s painting sparked curiosity and interpretations, while Bernard Garo, renowned for his evocative exploration of nature’s fragility and force, presented yet another compelling piece. The realm of abstract expressionism was enriched by the dynamic and emotive works of Annette Werndl and Arabella Ross, whose contributions infused the exhibition with raw energy. (see cover photo)
These mentioned awards, however, represent only a fraction of the extraordinary talent that Art Capital 2025 brought into the spotlight. Each accolade served as a reminder that artistic excellence is not only about technique or aesthetic appeal, it is about storytelling, provoking thought, and preserving the essence of a rapidly changing world. As the Grand Palais echoed with applause and quiet contemplation alike, it became clear that the recognition of these artists was a reaffirmation of art’s vital role in shaping and challenging our collective consciousness.
Haralampi G. Oroschakoff, Oh Yah, Mama Dada
acrylic, collage on velvet
Joung Lee Hyun, Installations Libres group, Salon Comparaison
Jan.K, painting, Abstraction Lyrique group
Art and public Impact
Haralampi G. Oroschakoff, a key figure known for his intellectual approach to contemporary art, took the time to personally meet visitors, engaging in thoughtful discussions about the cultural and philosophical dimensions of his work, offering audiences a rare opportunity to connect directly with an artist whose work bridges the historical and the avant-garde.
Peter P. Hopkins left an indelible mark with his experimental piece, Psychedelic Flag II, a bold reinterpretation of national symbols through an altered sensory experience. His work embodied the event’s spirit of exploration, reinforcing Art Capital as a platform for radical artistic choice.
With an impressive 50,000 visitors, Art Capital 2025 demonstrated the enduring resonance of contemporary art. The Grand Palais became a nexus for artistic dialogue, fostering exchanges between artists, collectors, and an engaged public.
This edition honored both tradition and innovation, strengthening the legacy of the Salon des Artistes Français, while spotlighting avant-garde initiatives with Comparaison – L’Art Actuel and the more intimate Drawing & Watercolor Fair. These platforms provided an intricate balance between classic technics and forward-thinking exploration, reinforcing the essential role of artistic dialogue in shaping contemporary thought. In an age marked by technological revolutions, geopolitical uncertainty, and cultural transformations, art remains an essential counterbalance, a realm of introspection, critique, and boundless creativity. More than ever, supporting the plastic arts is a commitment to nurturing free thought. Art Capital 2025 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of art, ensuring its place at the heart of our shared human experience.
