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I Telman nwè ki i blé (So black it becomes blue)

Photo : Adagp, Paris, 2026

Oct 21 – Feb 14

I Telman nwè ki i blé (So black it becomes blue)

Deep blues and midnight blacks collide in this captivating retrospective that pushes the boundaries of texture and medium. Step inside a world where textiles, paper, and light translate the complex identity and history of Martinique into a breathtaking aesthetic experience. It is the perfect plan for anyone looking to lose themselves in pure sensory art.

Palais de Tokyo (Paris 16th)

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About

The Palais de Tokyo presents I Telman nwè ki i blé (So black it becomes blue), a monographic exhibition showcasing the work of artist Valérie John. Spanning her career since the 1990s and her decision to establish her studio in Martinique, the exhibition explores themes of identity and local memory. Through a collection of textile works, paper assemblages, installations, and objects, the artist invites visitors to experience the aesthetic metamorphosis of indigo. This exhibition is open from October 21, 2026, to February 14, 2027. Tickets are required for entry, with prices ranging from 9 to 13 euros.

The monographic exhibition “I telman nwè ki i blé (So black it becomes blue)” presents the work of Valérie John since the 1990s and her return to Martinique, where she chose to establish her “atelier-oeuvre.” This act was a commitment to “create work” immersed in her environment and engaged with the translocal memory of the place, in a gesture of fluid identity construction.

At the Palais de Tokyo, through assemblages of paper and textiles, installations, garments, objects, and books, the artist offers a dive into the metamorphoses of indigo: an aesthetic and sensory experience ranging from the deepest blue tones to the most brilliant black.

Our take on this event

Discover the artistic journey of Valérie John at the Palais de Tokyo. Following her return to Martinique in the 1990s, the artist transformed her studio into a place of creation where she engages with the translocal memory of the island. Her work serves as a reflection on shifting identity, utilizing diverse media such as clothing, books, paper assemblages, and installations to convey her artistic vision.

Central to the exhibition is an exploration of indigo, guiding visitors through a sensory experience that shifts from deep blue tones to the most vivid blacks. This display of material transformation highlights the artist's dedication to her craft and environment. The exhibition runs from October 21, 2026, to February 14, 2027. It is open on Thursdays from 12:00 to 00:00, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 to 22:00. Admission ranges from 9 to 13 euros.

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