Step into the captivating world of “Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media,” an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and you’ll embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of intimacy. The French title, “L’Intime: De la chambre aux réseaux sociaux,” hints at the multifaceted nature of the exhibition, encompassing more than just romantic relationships.
While the word “intime” might initially conjure images of sensual encounters or intimate products, this exhibition delves deeper, exploring the broader ways in which we define and protect our personal space. You’ll find yourself surrounded by evocative Impressionist paintings depicting women bathing, rows of colorful vibrators displayed behind glass, and a diverse array of objects that speak to our evolving relationship with privacy. Groovy sofas, blockbuster fragrances, feminist texts, security drones, and smartphones all play a role in shaping our understanding of personal boundaries and self-expression.
The exhibition’s journey begins with a striking image: a giant keyhole glowing red, a symbol that immediately sparks curiosity. As you navigate through the galleries, you’ll encounter masterpieces like Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “Le Verrou,” a famed 18th-century bedroom scene that captures a moment of passionate intimacy. However, the show also presents pieces that evoke solitude, like Vilhelm Hammershøi’s empty room or Édouard Vuillard’s portrait of a woman seemingly blending into her wallpaper. This interplay between sensuality and isolation, between exuberance and restraint, weaves its way through every gallery.
On a purely aesthetic level, “Private Lives” is a visual feast. You’ll be captivated by design marvels such as a cabinet by Eileen Gray, the iconic Ultrafragola mirror with its pink undulating frame by Ettore Sottsass, and a collection of elaborate vintage perfume bottles. The exhibition also features a water closet adorned with a delicate blue botanical motif, reminding us that even seemingly mundane objects contribute to the overall atmosphere of intimacy.
Christine Macel, the lead curator, explains that the exhibition’s focus on intimacy aligns naturally with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which houses objects primarily found within the home. The museum’s soaring nave has been transformed with oversized furniture, including a rare La Declive recliner by Pierre Paulin and the Tawayara Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for the Memphis Group. While visitors can’t sit on these pieces, their presence highlights the social nature of furniture and its potential to encourage interaction. In contrast, other objects evoke a sense of cocooning and personal sanctuary, mirroring our desire for both connection and solitude.
The exhibition thoughtfully explores 14 themes, spanning from “Bathtime” to “The Connected Bedroom.” Whether it’s an 18th-century daybed or a contemporary photo of artist Zanele Muholi gazing into a mirror while in bed, the settings depict moments of vulnerability and self-reflection. Notably, fashion is absent from the exhibition, a deliberate choice by Macel, who wanted to focus on objects used rather than worn. She explains, “This show is really about objects that are not worn but used. How to tell the relationship of a person to the intimacy of their clothes was not the idea.”
However, Macel doesn’t shy away from showcasing objects with a more explicit sexual nature. In a designated area, visitors will encounter wood-paneled rooms displaying snuff boxes with erotic imagery, bawdy books, and a diverse selection of intimate devices. These objects, including sleek designs by Marc Newson, Sonia Rykiel, and Matali Crasset, highlight the convergence of design and pleasure. The exhibition also features two vibrators from the popular intimate-wellness brand Maude, a sponsor of the exhibition. Founder Éva Goicochea explains, “These are objects that help us understand who we are.” The vibrators, inspired by Brancusi’s sculptures, feature soft gray and darker green tones, eschewing traditional gendered aesthetics. Goicochea emphasizes that these objects represent “a wonderful, enjoyable part of being human” and that Maude’s mission is to promote intimate wellness rather than simply focusing on sex.
The exhibition also acknowledges the realities of those deprived of privacy and the objects that define intimacy. The “The Precarious Intimate” room sensitively addresses situations where individuals are stripped of their belongings due to homelessness, migration, or imprisonment. Survival outerwear by Kosuke Tsumura stands out as an exception to the exhibition’s no-clothing rule, while Mathieu Pernot’s photographs of migrants without shelter underscore the importance of having a private space.
In the final room, visitors are invited to engage in personal reflection through open diaries from different eras. A table is provided for visitors to share their own thoughts, reminding us that the deepest level of intimacy often resides within our own minds and the conversations we have with ourselves.
Beyond “Private Lives,” Paris offers another captivating exhibition exploring intimacy: “Pop Forever: Tom Wesselmann &…” at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This exhibition presents a different perspective on intimacy, focusing on Tom Wesselmann’s iconic art, which often explores the human body and everyday objects. Wesselmann’s signature style is characterized by bold colors, pop culture references, and his willingness to incorporate real-life objects into his works, including toilet seats. The exhibition also features other artists who reinterpret these themes, offering a broader perspective on the human experience.
While these two exhibitions present distinct approaches to intimacy, they share a common thread: the pursuit of liberation through personal exploration. Both leave us with the understanding that by embracing our individual experiences and seeking out connection with others, we can ultimately find a deeper sense of freedom.
“Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media” is at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris until March 30, 2025. “Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &…” is at the Fondation Louis Vuitton through February 24, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into these insightful exhibitions and explore the fascinating ways in which we navigate the complexities of intimacy in the modern world.