Architecture News

Where Whimsy Meets Heritage: A Fabric Animal Takeover

A Playful Invasion of the Petit Palais's Historic Halls

For Art Basel Paris 2026, the venerable Petit Palais has welcomed an unexpected collection of new residents. Among the ancient statues and timeless masterpieces, one can now find a plush Saint Bernard crafted from velvet, along with whimsical octopuses made of leather and mohair whales. These delightful fabric creatures are part of “Dollys & Beaux,” an installation by the Cologne-based artist Cosima von Bonin. Her distinctly oversized, soft sculptures, initially conceived for the luxury brand LOEWE, introduce an intriguing and humorous element into the museum's revered array of classical artwork.

Cosima von Bonin's Expanding Animal Kingdom

The enchanting menagerie at the Petit Palais includes a bulldog, a pair of scallops, and several hermit crabs, each contributing to von Bonin's peculiar and charming animal realm. Some of these textile beings are adorned with elegant silk scarves, while others feature tartan patterns specifically designed for their Parisian debut. Their yielding, exaggerated forms appear remarkably at ease amidst the more austere, stoic sculptures that are typically carved from enduring materials. This juxtaposition creates a captivating dialogue between textures and artistic expressions, with the soft, pliable figures comfortably coexisting with their rigid, classical counterparts.

From High Fashion Runways to Esteemed Museum Galleries

Before their grand appearance at the Petit Palais, these artistic animals made a notable debut in the fashion world. Earlier in the year, Cosima von Bonin was commissioned by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the creative directors of LOEWE, to craft sculptures for their Fall/Winter 2026 collection showcase. At the historic Château de Vincennes in March, her plush characters were strategically placed on oversized white shoeboxes, observing models as they graced a vibrant yellow runway. The artist's distinctive imagery also seamlessly integrated into the collection itself, adorning various garments and fashion accessories, bridging the gap between art and haute couture.

A Fresh Ensemble for a New Parisian Stage

For their presentation at Art Basel Paris, the same beloved cast of creatures has been recontextualized with a fresh backdrop and updated sartorial details. The addition of silk scarves and tartan motifs serves as a delightful continuation of their previous collaboration with the fashion world. However, these textile figures now find themselves nestled within the permanent collection of a prestigious fine arts institution, imbuing them with a distinct presence. Without the dynamic spectacle of a fashion runway to command attention, the animals themselves become integral to the cultural gathering, transforming into靜態 but captivating spectators within the museum's hallowed halls.

Softness Intertwined with Classical Grandeur

Animals have been a recurring and central theme throughout von Bonin’s artistic endeavors, with marine life and canines frequently appearing in her fabric sculptures, often imbued with curiously human-like expressions. By incorporating everyday objects and elements from popular culture, the artist skillfully employs humor as a tool to explore complex social dynamics and the conventional norms that govern them. Her sculptural works possess an inherent quality that is both endearing and subtly absurd, characterized by their exaggerated features and relaxed poses, each contributing to the unique character and personality of every creature.

An Engaging Exhibition at the Petit Palais

The Petit Palais serves as an especially compelling and entertaining venue for von Bonin's current body of work. Visitors are invited to meander among these soft textile figures, while the museum's existing, centuries-old sculptures remain steadfast in their positions, fostering intriguing and unexpected interactions throughout the gallery spaces. There is an undeniable charm in observing a plush whale residing in a chamber traditionally reserved for the solemn display of fine art, particularly when its companions are accessorized with elegant silk embellishments. This installation is proudly presented by Petzel, Gaga, and Galerie Neu as an integral part of Art Basel Paris's extensive public program, offering free admission to all from October 20th to 25th, 2026, inviting a broad audience to experience this delightful fusion of contemporary art and historical setting.

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