🗓 Jun 11–Jul 18, 2026
📍 Pace Prints, 536 W 22nd St
🎟️ FREE
✨ Pace Prints' exhibition of prints by Jean Dubuffet showcases the ways the artist employed both traditional and innovative screenprinting techniques during pivotal periods including his L'Hourloupe cycle and the Théâtres de Mémoire series. The earliest portfolio, Présences Fugaces (1973) — Dubuffet's first print project for Pace Editions — features singular L'Hourloupe figures surrounded by fields of rich, matte color, alongside the doubly-screened Faits Mémorables and the monumental Site de Mémoire silkscreens printed directly onto stretched canvas.
Visiting the Pace Prints exhibition truly offers a unique glimpse into Jean Dubuffet’s artistic evolution, especially through his mastery of screenprinting. What struck me most was seeing how Dubuffet blended traditional methods with experimental approaches, creating vibrant, textured pieces that feel alive with energy. The L'Hourloupe cycle prints are particularly captivating—those abstract, whimsical figures set against bold, matte color fields invite viewers to explore their complex forms and lively compositions. As a fan of printmaking, I appreciated how the exhibition includes silkscreens printed directly onto stretched canvas, a technique that adds a sculptural dimension to the art. This method challenges conventions of print display and made me reconsider how prints can inhabit space similarly to paintings. It’s inspiring to see an artist push the boundaries of screenprinting beyond flat, paper surfaces. Additionally, the inclusion of the Présences Fugaces portfolio, which was Dubuffet’s first project with Pace Editions, provided valuable context for understanding his development. The doubly-screened Faits Mémorables prints, with their layered imagery, reveal a meticulous process that balances spontaneity and control. For anyone interested in modern art and innovative print techniques, this exhibition is a must-see. It’s also a great opportunity to experience art in a calm, intimate setting at Pace Prints’ gallery in Chelsea, NYC. Best of all, admission is free, making it accessible to everyone. Mark your calendar and immerse yourself in the vivid world of Jean Dubuffet’s prints.
