On October 21, 2026, the Palais de Tokyo in Paris opens its doors to the largest exhibition dedicated to Martinican artist Valérie John, titled I telman nwè ki i blé (“So black it becomes blue” in Creole).
For several decades, Valérie John has explored questions of identity through her artistic work, particularly that of Caribbean people and their deep connection to Africa. She creates works combining weaving and entanglements of materials, highlighting indigo, a plant used for centuries in West Africa.
Indigo, which holds a central place in her work, is also historically linked to cultivation in the Caribbean, notably through its association with slavery. This exhibition at Palais de Tokyo thus highlights both a unique artistic approach and a reflection on Caribbean history and cultural identity.
