Photo : © Artiste Peintre Johanna Claerhout
Théâtre des Fleurs: Exhibition of monumental flower portraits in the Marais
Step away from delicate botanical illustrations and discover floral art on a cinematic scale. These monumental oil paintings capture dahlias with a raw, dramatic energy that feels both historical and thoroughly modern. You will be captivated by the way light and shadow turn a simple bloom into a powerhouse performance.
Galerie Joseph (Paris 3rd)
About
Step into the spectacular world of botanical art with Théâtre des Fleurs, an exhibition by Belgian painter Johanna Claerhout at Galerie Joseph. Running from December 5 to December 13, 2026, this showcase features monumental portraits of dahlias that challenge the traditional still-life genre. Through a theatrical staging of oil on linen works, the artist captures the power and intensity of nature using dramatic lighting and shadows. This immersive experience is completely free to attend and remains open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, with comprehensive accessibility features ensuring it is welcoming to all visitors.
In Théâtre des Fleurs, Belgian painter Johanna Claerhout takes the floral still life out of its vase and places it on stage. Her flowers, mainly dahlias picked from her own garden, are painted larger than life. Powerful, contemporary, and moving, they leave a strong impression.
An art historian by training, Johanna Claerhout draws on the tradition of the old masters to reinterpret it. In her studio, she creates real arrangements with flowers, glassware, and colored lights. Shadows distort, double, or saturate until they become subjects in their own right.
The exhibition brings together a dozen new oil paintings on linen, including several large-format works in chiaroscuro, within a theatrical setting. Through these works, the artist restores strength and intensity to a genre long considered merely pretty, feminine, or light.
Our take on this event
Galerie Joseph presents Théâtre des Fleurs, a compelling collection of works by painter Johanna Claerhout. From December 5 to December 13, 2026, guests are invited to discover a series of ten new oil paintings on linen. Drawing on her background as an art historian, the artist reinterpretates the tradition of the old masters, scaling up her dahlia portraits to create a striking, larger-than-life visual impact.
The exhibition is arranged with a theatrical flair, utilizing glassware and vibrant light to craft immersive chiaroscuro effects. By manipulating shadows and color, Claerhout strips away the conventional, delicate perception of floral art, replacing it with a profound and contemporary emotional weight. The result is a bold, artistic stage where the flowers become the central protagonists.
Located at 5 rue Sainte-Anastase in the 3rd arrondissement, the exhibition is free for all attendees and open every day from 10:00 to 20:00. The venue is fully equipped to accommodate all visitors, including those in wheelchairs or with visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities. Sign language services are provided to ensure an inclusive experience for every guest interested in exploring this theatrical reinterpretation of nature.
