I had the privilege of joining the Cité Internationale des Arts through SANAVA for the months of March and April 2026. The experience exceeded my wildest expectations. It began with an adventurous trip from the airport through early Friday morning Parisian traffic, which felt like a scene from The Fast and the Furious. After settling in at the ABSA Atelier flat, I realised that the Cité has the best location in Paris. The Cité is situated in Le Marais, which is walking distance from major galleries, attractions and the beautiful Seine. Inspiration was to be found everywhere – sculptures, parks, sculpted doorknobs on huge doors, people on the streets and, of course, the magnificent Parisian architecture that is so well maintained.
A philosophy of collaboration
The philosophy of the Cité Internationale des Arts made a deep impression on me. The Cité, being the largest artist residency programme in the world, runs an inclusive programme for artists from various cultural backgrounds, across all artistic disciplines, of all ages, and for both beginners and veterans. The founders’ wish for artists was to form collaborations and friendships, a mission that clearly manifested in the time I was there. Surviving French lessons together was a great way to make new friends and create bonds. I cherish the visits to galleries and café’s with the other two South African artists who joined the programme, namely André Serfontein and Chelsea Selvan.
Access to art
But it was the accessibility to art that made the visit memorable. What a privilege it was to view the artworks I learned about as an art student in person. Besides seeing the old masters’ work in Museum D’Orsay, L’Orangerie, the Louvre, and so many more, I was truly inspired by the contemporary art. Some of the notable exhibitions I viewed are:
Drawing outside the lines – More than 300 works by 120 artists from the Centre Pompidou’s graphic art collection were on display at the Grand Palais. The show was a reminder of how artists are constantly reinventing the art of drawing.
Drawing Now Paris – 71 galleries representing 300 contemporary artists exhibited at the Carreau Du Temple. A huge variety from traditional, experimental and installation art was on show.
Art Paris 2026 – Presented at the Grand Palais, this exhibition showcased the diversity of today’s creations of nearly 165 French and international artists.
Numerous smaller commercial galleries’ works.
The Matisse 1941-1954, presented at the Grand Palais, was an unforgettable experience. The exhibition shed light on the final years of Henri Matisse’s life, with a focus on the cut-out gouaches. It was a massive exhibition, brilliantly curated and installed.
"What a privilege it was to view the artworks I learned about as an art student in person."
Furthermore, it was a privilege to be able to attend the opening event of a retrospective exhibition of Diane Victor ‘s printmaking at the Académie des Beaux-Arts to honor her prestigious Mario Avati prize for Printmaking. I was also pleased to view her show, Fallen Angels, at Larock Granoff Gallery a week later. Her work never seizes to mesmerize and inspire me. It was great to see that her work is being awarded and celebrated internationally.
On a much smaller scale, I attended the ZigZag initiative, organized by the Gentilly Cultural Centre on the invitation of Vera Dickman, an art expert who enriches the visits of South African artists joining the Cité. Several artists opened their studios, mostly adjacent to their homes, and gave demonstrations and hosted discussions. This was on the outskirts of Paris, where I experienced a different side of Paris and the local art scene.
Open studio
Although it is not expected to participate in the weekly open studios programme presented on Wednesday evenings at the Cité, it is a valuable opportunity to receive feedback on your art. I hosted an open studio on 22 April, towards the end of my stay at the Cité. Besides the comments from various guests, I was approached by a local gallery. I was also pleased with the attendance of Ntabhiseng Makuwa, acting ambassador for South Africa in France.
Another opportunity that arose from the Cité was to be the subject for a portrait photography workshop for teenagers under the guidance of renowned photographer Jean-François Joly, organized by the MEP Library. Two girls took photos of me in my studio environment. I am happy to be able to use these in the creation of my new website.
Smaller memories
Other memories that I will always treasure? Early morning walks to the Notre Dame, a spiritual experience at the Sacre-Coeur over Easter weekend, enjoying a pistachio croissant, buying fresh produce at the Bastille market on Sundays, mingling at Nelsons with South Africans who have lived in Paris for many years, and so on…
"This experience not only provided the opportunity to grow in my art, but also to grow personally."
Thank you to SANAVA.
— Janette, Paris