Song Dong Transforms Le Bon Marché with Participatory Art and Everyday Stories

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is set to host its 11th artistic edition, welcoming acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Song Dong for an exhibition titled 'Objets divers et variés - 百货 (băihuò)'. Running from January 10 to February 22, 2026, the exhibition promises a fresh perspective on everyday items, echoing Song Dong's renowned exploration of memory, family, and urban transformation.

A leading figure in contemporary art, Song Dong has captivated audiences in major institutions worldwide, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). He is particularly remembered for his impactful installation 'Waste Not', which meticulously arranged the vast collection of personal belongings accumulated by his mother throughout her life. This poignant work powerfully illustrated his unique ability to delve into the sentimental and social value embedded in objects, bridging individual narratives with collective historical threads.

For the upcoming exhibition at Le Bon Marché, Song Dong transforms the iconic store’s window displays into a dynamic, participatory artwork. Customers and employees are invited to contribute by lending an object originally purchased at Le Bon Marché, alongside the unique story and memories associated with it. The artist will then select these personal pieces, weaving them into an installation that promises to be rich in both emotion and shared human experiences.

Beyond the window displays, visitors can anticipate two grand, monumental installations that will command attention beneath the central glass canopies of the store. Furthermore, an innovative immersive experience will be unveiled on the store’s second floor, offering another layer of engagement. A public call for participation has been actively running since early October 2025, with details and access available via a QR code on Le Bon Marché’s official website.

Through this ambitious exhibition, Song Dong reiterates his profound artistic philosophy: that every single object, no matter how ordinary, carries an intricate narrative. When these individual stories are thoughtfully collected and presented, they collectively illuminate and contribute to our broader, shared human memory.