Paola Pivi's latest exhibition, "Live Again," at Perrotin Paris, challenges conventional artistic boundaries by integrating living organisms directly into her works, prompting a reevaluation of art's role in ecological and societal dialogues. Running until April 18th, 2026, the centerpiece of the exhibition is a collection of sculptural arrangements titled "New Life," which consists of precisely cut lemon tree branches engineered to continue their growth. These fifty star-shaped structures ingeniously convert natural components into an imagined cosmic realm, underscoring the notion that transformation can emerge from fragmentation. This approach signifies a departure from mere representation, advocating for an art form that actively participates in the cycles of life and growth, reflecting a future where artistic endeavors are in harmony with environmental principles.
The exhibition further delves into a series of dynamic installations that oscillate between lightheartedness and critical commentary, employing vivid, hand-painted phrases such as "INTERNATIONAL LAW," "FREE," and "HUMANS." These seemingly innocuous words gradually reveal their political undertones, echoing the artist's intention to use approachable forms to deliver poignant critiques of contemporary issues, including postcolonial narratives and power dynamics. Works like "God let me hunt" extend this exploration, transcending literal interpretation to symbolize ambition, survival, and spiritual yearning. Through elements such as intricate silk embroideries and a reimagined inflatable ladder, Pivi broadens the discourse on aspiration, motion, and perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate new possibilities for collective futures.
As visitors navigate the exhibition, the central spaces offer an immersive sensory experience, with the pervasive fragrance of lemon trees blurring the distinction between the natural and the fabricated. Living flora stands alongside meticulously crafted bronze replicas, challenging perceptions of authenticity and artifice. This juxtaposition, rooted in Pivi's long-standing fascination with destabilizing established norms, presents trees that mimic celestial bodies, transforming organic nature into intricate structures and structures into boundless cosmos. The final sections of the exhibition present a more direct critique, featuring deflated balloons suspended by iron rings, which evoke both the fragility of victims and a collective state of inertia, drawing parallels to historical trauma. Alongside these powerful visual statements, her ongoing series of pearl works introduces the concept of accumulation as a meditative practice, where thousands of artificial pearls form tactile landscapes, mirroring natural processes of defense and change, and ultimately connecting to the profound spiritual essence of creative contemplation.
Through her captivating and thought-provoking installations, Paola Pivi invites us to consider art not merely as static objects but as dynamic entities capable of growth, transformation, and profound social commentary. Her work champions the idea of art as an active participant in our world, capable of fostering regeneration and sparking critical thought. By intertwining natural processes with artistic expression, she encourages a hopeful outlook where creativity and ecological consciousness can lead to a more interconnected and reflective understanding of existence, inspiring us to embrace change and envision positive futures.