FOCUS Visual Arts Paris, organised by the Institut français in Paris, takes place this week, bringing together curators and visual arts professionals from around the world. One of the 16 participants selected to attend, from 15 countries, is South African visual artist Lawrence Lemaoana. Lawrence is the co-founder and director of Occupying the Gallery in Johannesburg, and the 2005 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award winner.
The programme is designed to strengthen connections with the French art scene and to encourage future collaborations between artists, institutions, and creative professionals. Programme highlights include the Art Basel Paris fair and Greater Paris Contemporary Art Week, visits to major art venues and studios, and attendance at the first Art Émergence festival highlighting emerging artists. It also includes meetings with professionals from France and abroad, as well as contemporary art awards recognising the French art industry.
“Being selected to be part of FOCUS is an elevation of my relationship with the French Institute. I experienced the breadth of their support, their local arts, and their international reach. My network of friends and potential partners for Occupying the Gallery has grown immensely, and the access created with this experience is immeasurable, since my new colleagues are from all around the world and hold incredible influence in their positions,” Lawrence said of the experience.
Read more about FOCUS Visual Arts Paris 2025 here.
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