The FIAC may have temporarily decamped from its Grand Palais headquarters, but the concept remains the same: 170 galleries from 25 countries, selling cutting edge works of contemporary art. We look at some of the exhibitions, performances and public art installations parallel to the fair.

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Art IRL: FIAC contemporary art fair returns to Paris alongside digital offerings

Taking aim at the press and those who peddle it, “Lost Illusions” sees Honoré de Balzac settling scores within his sprawling multi-volume epic Comédie Humaine. Director Xavier Giannoli has brought 19th century Paris to life for his film adaptation of the novels, with celebrity, advertising and journalism in the crosshairs. Critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why the movie is as topical as it is entertaining.

Film show: Balzac’s biting social commentary comes to life on the big screen

Jean-Paul Gaultier is the designer celebrated for dressing Madonna in a conical bra, popularising skirts for boys and turning the French navy's famous marinière striped T-shirt into a wardrobe classic. Now about to turn 70, the designer has organised the exhibition "Ciné-mode", at Paris’s Cinémathèque on the influence of film on his creations. FRANCE 24’s Sonia Patricelli went to meet the designer.

Jean-Paul Gaultier: Fashion’s 'enfant terrible' talks about new Paris exhibition on his work

Hailing from the Netherlands, artist Tessa Douwstra performs under the name Luwten, which means "a place without wind" in Dutch. Her music channels traditional indie songwriting through a kaleidoscope of modern pop and experimental R&B. She recently released her second LP entitled "Draft", which features 11 complex and well-crafted tracks. She tells FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot about wanting to writing about the transition from introspection to a more outward-focused life.

Music show: Dutch artist Luwten opens up to the world on second LP 'Draft'

After spending a year of the pandemic in Normandy, one of the world's best-known and most expensive artists is putting his work from that period on display at Paris's Orangerie museum. We hear from British painter David Hockney at his new exhibition.

How the French countryside inspired artist David Hockney

His funny, delicate and dark illustrations are familiar to readers of British newspapers and adored for their philosophical take on daily life. When Steven Appleby introduced a new character to his comic strips, "Dragman", few of his readers were aware that the author and illustrator also wore a wig and women's clothes.

Dragman to the rescue! Steven Appleby on his trans superhero

Film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about the impressive special effects that recreate the construction of the Eiffel Tower on the big screen, and why she was charmed by central performances from Romain Duris and Emma Mackey in French film "Eiffel".

Film show: Romance and wrought iron in period piece 'Eiffel'

He's been sending up the French as an English man in Paris for a good few years now - and they LOVE it. The British comedian’s YouTube videos have been viewed more than 20 million times. His show ‘So British ou Presque’ is on tour around France starting at Paris' Grand Rex. It's in English, half in French. Paul Taylor speaks to Eve Jackson about the clichés or differences between Brits and the French.

The Brit who’s making the French laugh….at themselves.

Over the last two decades, Emily Loizeau and Malik Djoudi have established themselves on the French musical landscape, winning prestigious awards and working with some of the top figures in French chanson. They spoke with Marjorie Hache about their new albums, the titles of which reference Greek mythology, their mixed heritages and the people they worked with. 

Emily Loizeau and Malik Djoudi on their mixed heritages and cool collaborations

As the New Africa-France summit kicks off in the southern French city of Montpellier, we take a look at some of the cultural issues on the agenda.

AfrotroniX: The futuristic face of African art

Netflix's Korean survival drama "Squid Game" has taken the world by storm – it follows desperate characters who gamble their lives for the chance to win millions by competing in children's games, with losers killed on the spot. As TV critic Alison Sargent explains, the show has resonated with viewers fed-up with capitalism. It's also sparked morbid fascination as viewers wonder how far they would go.

TV series show: 'Squid Game' pushes capitalism to the extreme

As James Bond tops the box office, we take a look at some of the other British exports on display in Dinard. As the Breton town hosts the 32nd festival of British film, critic Lisa Nesselson picks out her highlights from a stylish selection which is unafraid of tackling social realism and hard-hitting topics.

A cross-Channel celebration of British film in Dinard

You might know Hiam Abbass as the enigmatic Marcia Roy in the hit TV series "Succession", or as the Egyptian-American mother Maysa in the award-winning comedy "Ramy". Or perhaps you know her for her roles in acclaimed films such as the Oscar-nominated drama "Paradise Now", as well as "Amreeka" and "The Syrian Bride". Her latest film is a romantic comedy set in Gaza, "Gaza Mon Amour". 

'Succession' star Hiam Abbass on her rom-com in Gaza

Quebec-based singer-songwriter Hubert Lenoir shot onto the scene with his debut solo album "Darlène", a glam rock psychedelic postmodern opera that was shortlisted for the 2018 Polaris Music Prize. He’s back with a very personal sophomore album entitled "PICTURA DE IPSE : Musique directe". This musical autobiography is a tribute to the "cinéma direct" movement, which started in Québec at the end of the 1950s. 

Music show: Canadian singer-songwriter Hubert Lenoir drops intimate second album

FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson takes us to Paris's top exhibitions, starting with a Thierry Mugler retrospective to find out more about the French designer, who became known through his promotion of shoulder pads and miniskirts.

Thierry Mugler: The godfather of 1980s power dressing

How do artists and writers see the world? We take you to the crossroads where culture meets the news and engages with what's happening in our lives today. From Monday to Friday at 12.15 pm Paris time.

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