Overview

Galerie Oniris in Rennes: 40 Years of History at the Heart of Contemporary Art

Since 1986, Galerie Oniris in Rennes has played an active role in promoting contemporary art in Brittany and throughout France. To mark its 40th anniversary, this landmark gallery celebrated four decades of artistic creation with the anniversary exhibition “Oniris: 40 Years,” on view from August 19 through October 3, 2026.

Galerie Oniris: 40 Years of Commitment to Contemporary Art in Rennes

Founded in Rennes by Yvonne Paumelle, Galerie Oniris opened its doors on September 9, 1986, with an inaugural exhibition dedicated to artist François Morellet. From the outset, the gallery established a strong artistic identity, focusing on contemporary art, abstraction, and new forms of artistic expression. Over four decades, Oniris has established itself as a leading name among contemporary art galleries in Rennes and western France. Its history reflects the evolution of the French and international art scenes while contributing to the cultural vitality of the city of Rennes and the Brittany region.

An Anniversary Exhibition Celebrating Four Decades of Artistic Creation

To celebrate this milestone, the group exhibition “Oniris: 40 Years” brought together a selection of iconic works by artists who have shaped the gallery's history since its founding. This artistic journey offered a look back at four decades of creative expression, highlighting the richness of the exchanges between artists and the key aesthetic directions championed by Oniris: contemporary painting, geometric abstraction, conceptual art, and artistic experimentation. Artists featured throughout the gallery's history include: Geneviève Asse, Christian Bonnefoi, Alain Clément, Philippe Cognée, Norman Dilworth, Julije Knifer, Véra Molnar, Aurelie Nemours, François Morellet, Jean-Pierre Pincemin and Claude Viallat. Together, these influential artists reflect the diversity of artistic practices and the distinctive vision that has shaped the gallery's program since 1986.

A Rennes Art Gallery with National Recognition

The history of Galerie Oniris is closely connected to the city of Rennes and its vibrant cultural scene. For forty years, the gallery has helped establish the Breton capital as a place for discovering, showcasing, and engaging with contemporary art. Its strong local roots go hand in hand with an openness to the national and international art scenes. By exhibiting established artists and presenting innovative artistic approaches, Oniris helps position Rennes among France's leading cities for contemporary art. The gallery has thus become a destination for art enthusiasts, collectors, art professionals, and anyone interested in discovering the latest developments in contemporary art in Brittany.

Since 2012, a New Vision Led by Florent Paumelle

Since 2012, Florent Paumelle has directed Galerie Oniris, continuing the artistic vision established by Yvonne Paumelle. The gallery remains committed to working with established artists while supporting new generations of creative talent. Painting and abstraction hold an important place in its carefully curated program, which also explores the many forms and expressions of contemporary art. This continuity demonstrates Oniris's ability to evolve its artistic perspective while preserving its identity and history.

Oniris: 40 Years of Artistic History Rooted in Rennes

The anniversary exhibition “Oniris: 40 Years” marked a significant milestone in the gallery's history. Beyond presenting iconic works, it offered an opportunity to reflect on how far the gallery has come since opening on September 9, 1986. Forty years of exhibitions, encounters, collaborations, and artistic discoveries have helped establish Galerie Oniris as a key player in contemporary art in Rennes and throughout Brittany. This retrospective highlights the essential role of independent galleries in bringing contemporary art to wider audiences and building a living artistic heritage.