Exhibition Highlights

When Henri Cartier-Bresson and Martine Franck founded the Fondation in 2023, they wanted to create a welcoming home for all kinds of artists—not just photographers, but painters, sculptors, and illustrators too. Over the years, we’ve been proud to share everything from Alberto Giacometti’s sculptures to Saul Steinberg’s drawings. Today, we are excited to continue that tradition by opening our doors to the vibrant paintings of Romain Bernini.

For two decades, Bernini has been crafting a striking body of work that sits somewhere between everyday life and a touch of urban mystery. Born in 1979, this French artist captures fleeting moments that feel like questions waiting to be answered. His paintings show people in quiet, suspenseful situations, appearing almost like living puzzles as they search for meaning in the world around them.

We are delighted to present this new series of paintings for the very first time. The collection finds its unique inspiration in a curious little 18th-century book called Giphantie, written by Charles Tiphaigne.