Pharrell Williams Curates a Tribute to Black Women’s Creativity

Pharrell Williams is returning to curatorial work with FEMMES, a powerful group exhibition opening at Perrotin Paris from March 20th to April 25th, 2025. Building on his 2014 exhibition G I R L, this new show is a tribute to the creative impact of Black women, whom Williams describes as “artists who transform the world through the power of their hands.” The exhibition gathers works from 39 international artists, spanning generations and disciplines, offering a kaleidoscopic exploration of femininity and artistic expression.

Curated by Williams, FEMMES features pioneering artists such as Esther Mahlangu and Carrie Mae Weems, alongside contemporary stars like Mickalene Thomas and Naomi Lulendo. It also highlights emerging talents, including Emma Prempeh and Prince Gyasi. The exhibition provides a dynamic space where personal narratives, cultural heritage, and contemporary identity converge.

Among the standout works, Zanele Muholi’s evocative photography sheds light on Black LGBTQ+ identities, capturing intimate portraits that challenge stereotypes and celebrate resilience. Meanwhile, Betye Saar’s assemblage pieces interweave history, spirituality, and activism, reflecting on African American identity through intricate found-object compositions. Tschabalala Self’s bold, textured paintings push the boundaries of figuration, reimagining the Black female body through a fusion of abstraction and vibrant color.

Hosted by Emmanuel Perrotin’s gallery, the exhibition continues the longstanding creative relationship between the two. Since their first collaboration in 2007, Williams and Perrotin have shared a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. This latest project reaffirms their dedication to fostering dialogue and expanding the reach of underrepresented artists.

FEMMES promises to be more than an exhibition—it is a call to honor the influence and artistry of Black women across generations. By blending visual storytelling with social commentary, it offers a compelling vision of contemporary femininity, making it a must-see event on Paris’s cultural calendar this spring.