Cosima von Bonin brings fabric sculptures to Paris Petit Palais
Cosima von Bonin exhibits padded animal sculptures at the Petit Palais during Art Basel Paris 2026, open with free admission from October 20th to 25th, 2026.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Cosima von Bonin installs padded animal sculptures at Petit Palais for Art Basel Paris 2026
- The exhibition features leather octopuses, mohair whales, and scallops in silk scarves
- Presented by Petzel, Gaga, and Galerie Neu with free admission for the public
During Art Basel Paris 2026, the historic galleries of the Petit Palais have been taken over by a whimsical collection of padded animal sculptures created by Cosima von Bonin. These plush creatures interrupt the solemn atmosphere of classical figures, introducing leather octopuses, mohair whales, a bulldog, and a pair of scallops into the artist's eclectic animal kingdom.
Some of these soft sculptures have been dressed in silk scarves and tartan textiles specifically tailored for their appearance in Paris. Their exaggerated, floppy bodies share space effortlessly with neighboring classical sculptures, creating a playful contrast between soft fabrics and figures traditionally carved to endure the test of time.
Placing contemporary soft sculptures inside a formal fine arts museum like the Petit Palais subverts traditional exhibition spaces, offering visitors a humorous and unexpected dialogue between historical artifacts and modern textile art.
The creatures have already made a high-fashion debut earlier this year. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, creative directors of LOEWE, commissioned von Bonin to create sculptures for their Fall/Winter 2026 show held at the Château de Vincennes in March, where the plush figures sat beside the runway on oversized white shoeboxes.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
For Art Basel Paris, the same cast of characters has transitioned into a fine arts museum setting. Adorned with silk accessories and tartan details, the fabric animals are now surrounded by the permanent collection of the Petit Palais, transforming from runway spectators into active participants within the gallery space.
Von Bonin frequently incorporates marine creatures and dogs into her artistic practice, utilizing humor and familiar pop culture imagery to examine social conventions. Her oversized sculptures blend endearingly quirky features with relaxed postures, giving each piece a distinct personality.
The installation is presented by Petzel, Gaga, and Galerie Neu as part of Art Basel Paris' public program, welcoming visitors with free admission from October 20th to 25th, 2026.
Source: designboom
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