Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery in Dubai is hosting Calm Down It’s Just Art, a solo exhibition by acclaimed French multidisciplinary artist Thomas Lélu. Featuring his minimalist works — canvases on which he has spray-painted phrases — the show offers a witty and provocative exploration of contemporary visual culture and will be open to the public until 14 June 2025.
Known for his sharp humor and conceptual approach, Lélu often blends text and image to challenge perceptions of art, media, and consumerism. The exhibition’s title suggests a playful critique of the art world’s seriousness, inviting viewers to reconsider their interpretations and expectations.
About the artist
Thomas Lélu (b. 1976, Seclin, France) is a Paris-based artist, writer, and exhibition curator who graduated from the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs (Paris) and whose work spans visual arts, literature, and design.
His art often involves the appropriation and subversion of images and texts from fashion magazines, advertising, and pop culture, creating works that are both humorous and thought-provoking. His handwritten aphorisms — succinct, ironic observations created using just the staple pen and paper and other rudimentary tools— have garnered a significant following on social media.
Lélu’s works have been displayed internationally; the exhibitions include Out of focus: Another vision of art, from 1945 to nowadays (Musée National de l’Orangerie, 1e, Paris, 2025); Signs of the Times (APALAZZOGALLERY, Brescia, Italy, 2021); and Structural Interludes: New Works by Thomas Lail, Timothy M. Martin and Emily Rauch (Albany Center Galleries, Albany, New York, USA, 2007), among others.
Lélu has authored five novels, including Je m’appelle Jeanne Mass (2005) and Le Parisien (2010), which blend humor and social commentary. He has also directed short films and music videos, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.
About the gallery
Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery, a prominent name in contemporary art, opened a standalone space in Dubai in 2022. Situated in the Umm Suqeim 2 district, the gallery brings its dynamic exhibition programme to the Middle East, focusing on African American and African artists, as well as emerging talents from around the world.
Founded in Luxembourg in 2013 by Nordine Zidoun and Audrey Bossuyt, the gallery has introduced influential artists such as Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Wangechi Mutu, Jeff Sonhouse, and Terry Adkins to European audiences. The Dubai location continues this legacy: it showcases a diverse range of artists and fosters cross-cultural dialogues within the region’s art scene.
With its commitment to artistic excellence, Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery in Dubai serves as a vital platform for contemporary art, connecting local and international communities through thought-provoking exhibitions and cultural exchange.
To get more information about Calm Down It’s Just Art, please visit the official web page of the exhibition.
Additionally, you might be interested in viewing Supernatural·Algorithm, Zhou Song’s solo show.
To stay updated with the latest art news, you can join our Telegram channel.
