Kiki Smith's 'FLIGHT' Exhibition Opens at Galerie Lelong

The renowned artist's tenth show with the Paris gallery features bronzes, stained glass, and drawings exploring bird imagery.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:53pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of sharp, angular black silhouettes of birds in flight, set against a bold red and white background, conceptually representing the themes and visual style of Kiki Smith's 'FLIGHT' exhibition.Kiki Smith's upcoming exhibition at Galerie Lelong in Paris will feature her signature exploration of nature and the human condition through striking bird imagery.NYC Today

Kiki Smith, the acclaimed German-born artist known for her multidisciplinary practice spanning sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and more, will unveil her tenth exhibition with Galerie Lelong in Paris this May. Titled 'FLIGHT', the show will feature nine bronze sculptures, two large stained-glass windows, and additional drawings, all centered around bird motifs that Smith uses to explore the natural world and the human condition.

Why it matters

Kiki Smith is one of the most influential contemporary artists of the past four decades, with a diverse body of work that has been the subject of major solo exhibitions at leading museums around the world. Her upcoming show at Galerie Lelong continues her long-standing relationship with the Parisian gallery and showcases her enduring fascination with nature and its symbolic power.

The details

The 'FLIGHT' exhibition will bring together nine bronze sculptures, two large stained-glass windows, and additional drawings by Smith. As the title suggests, bird imagery such as eagles, doves, and owls will be central to the show, with Smith using these natural forms to create an emotional journey through the work and explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

  • The exhibition will run from May 21 to July 11, 2026.
  • Kiki Smith has maintained a 25-year relationship with Galerie Lelong.

The players

Kiki Smith

A renowned German-born artist known for her multidisciplinary practice encompassing sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, objects, stained glass, and tapestry. Her work has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions at major museums worldwide.

Galerie Lelong

A Parisian art gallery that has hosted Kiki Smith's exhibitions for the past 25 years, continuing their long-standing relationship with the artist.

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The takeaway

Kiki Smith's 'FLIGHT' exhibition at Galerie Lelong continues the artist's decades-long exploration of the natural world and its symbolic power, showcasing her diverse and celebrated multidisciplinary practice through an emotionally resonant lens.