Paris, France — It is probably one of the most fragrant ways to enjoy an exhibition in Paris. The legendary perfume house Guerlain is hosting an exhibition in its Champs-Elysés flagship boutique revolving around golden art works with a number of them created by accomplished athletes in echo with the Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in Paris. The visitor is greeted by the iconic gold table by Yves Klein. Yves Klein was a leading figure in European post-war art, but he was also an accomplished judoka, his first vocation. Meanwhile Enzo Lefort, two time World Champion in foil, is an outstanding professional photographer who immortalised the Grail, aka the Olympic gold medal, in a photograph. Spanish photographer Isabel Muñoz photographed the great Japanese free diver Ai Futaki in immersion in the Mediterranean Sea. A host of works featuring gold, gold leaf and photographs printed on gold paper are among the works on display in the exhibition entitled Or Norme which literally and phonetically means Out of the Ordinary in English but is a word play on the French words for gold, or and out of hors.

Guerlain and gold go back a long way to the house’s iconic bee perfume flacon in gold and introduced back in 1853. And its delightful perfume bottles today feature golden elements. The house commissioned two works for the exhibition including one  by the photographer Isabel Muñoz with a unique work printed on glass and in 24k gold. The other is  by the artistic duo Graphset  and Amandine Besacier who created an innovative optical experience through a golden prism. The show, which brings together 16 contemporary artists, has received the Cultural Olympiade label and is running through September 12th. The exhibition is free of charge and offers a luxurious excursion right on the Champs-Elysées. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. Maison 68 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France. Monday to Saturday 11am-8pm & Sundays noon-7pm. https://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us#anchor-section-0