The Reid Hall Caféothèque is exhibiting the evocative and personal works of Paloma Kuns, a Venezuelan-born artist known for her raw and sensual portrayals of femininity. Before the Caféothèque closes for the summer on July 14, visitors will experience the rich tapestry of Kuns’ work in the seating area that looks out onto the garden.
Kuns, described by curator Christina Chirouze Montenegro as a painter of wings and women, captures femininity in its most genuine form. Her art showcases women as mothers, lovers, sisters—each figure vibrantly asserting their identity with bold strokes and vivid eyes. These women, whether painted with meticulous detail or sketched in delicate lines, transcend the canvas to claim their space and story.
Born in Caracas in 1974, Kuns initially pursued a career in chemistry, working in Paris as a project manager for major energy firms. A transformative sabbatical in Gabon in 2012 reignited her passion for art, leading her back to painting and writing. Balancing a demanding career, family life with four children, and her creative pursuits, Kuns has explored various mediums including drawing, engraving, ceramics, sculpture, and performance art.
Her art has been showcased in multiple venues across Paris, Tournus, and Brussels. Notable exhibitions include her 2017 "Chrysalides" show at La Caféothèque, which marked the beginning of her collaboration with Albane Hergott from Galerie Grès.
