Artists

John Giorno

Press release

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Palais de Tokyo exhibition 'Ugo Rondinone: I ♥︎ John Giorno,' Almine Rech and Giorno Poetry Systems present an exhibition of works by, for, and inspired by John Giorno (1936 - 2019) in two galleries in Paris, as well as a range of collaborations in museums in the city and the region throughout 2025. A portion of the funds from the sale of artworks will benefit Giorno Poetry Systems, the New York-based nonprofit organization Giorno founded in 1965 and that still operates today.

The two-part exhibition, titled 'Merci! John Giorno', explores John Giorno’s life and work and his role as a community builder and artistic influence on other artists, poets, and musicians across time and space. This exhibition features works by Giorno, as well as works by artists in his artistic and social circles, such as Ugo Rondinone, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Judith Eisler, Billy Sullivan, William S. Burroughs, and Verne Dawson. In addition, it includes the work of contemporary French artists who were inspired and influenced by the iconic 2015 exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo, marking the lasting impact this exhibition has had on an emerging generation of artists in Paris. Contributing artists include Julie Béna, Tarek Lakhrissi, Clément Rodzielski, David Douard, and Mélanie Matranga. A graphic identity for the exhibition  is conceived by Scott King, who had also designed the identity for 'Ugo Rondinone: I ♥︎ John Giorno' in 2015. […]

— Anthony Huberman, Artistic Director of GPS (Giorno Poetry Systems)