At the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, Sheila Hicks weaves an ode to joy
Josephine Bindé, Beaux Arts
October 2026
[…] The atrium of the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille is celebrating! Suspended casually in the air, long, brightly colored ribbons seem to have been tossed from the ceiling like impromptu party favors. Held only by a few taut wires that they straddle, these garlands form openwork curtains that filter the changing natural light emanating from the glass roof. This festive installation by artist Sheila Hicks aims to make the museum a place of “gathering ,” “accessible to all.” With a mischievous smile, the 92-year-old American, now living in France, is delighted to have “invaded” the museum with “joy,” to remind us of “the importance of continuing to play and have fun , even in these troubled times.” […]