“Sheila Hicks, Au-delà” at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille: we went along
Soula really wanted to see this exhibition. We went today, and we’re glad we did. At the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, artist Sheila Hicks turns thread and fibres into striking sculptures. At 92, and based in Paris, she even came to Lille for the opening. It’s quite something.
Material, everywhere, on a grand scale
Intensely colourful ribbons crossing the atrium, large forms piled high, and vertical cascades that really made us think of spaghetti. We fell for the textile discs: with their layers of thread, colours and depth, they look like little planets. There are repetitions, accumulations, neatly arranged threads… and others going their own way. At times, it reminded us of Arman.
Why it speaks to us so much at La Maison Fives
In a world of digital everything and AI-generated images, this return to physical materials feels wonderful. Colours, textures, shapes, gestures… of course it moves us. Between sessions in our ceramics studio shop in Lille Fives Cail, seeing works inhabit a space like this gives us fresh energy. We leave with ideas for the gallery and our stoneware pieces. If you’re visiting La Maison Fives, our little guesthouse and home, let’s talk about it over coffee.
Practical information
- Where: Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, Place de la République
- Dates: 9 October 2026 to 8 March 2027
- Admission: the atrium is free. Upstairs, the exhibition is included in the museum ticket, €7 / concessions €4. Reduced admission for everyone from 4.30 pm on weekdays.
- Opening hours: Monday 2 pm to 6 pm; Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesdays.
- Museum website: pba.lille.fr (check practical details and any updates).
The permanent collection is always a pleasure too
We also love returning to the PBA’s spacious galleries and permanent collection. And a little nod to Monet’s Impression, Sunrise, the work that gave Impressionism its name: impossible not to think of it as we left the galleries.
Our verdict
A lovely temporary exhibition, generous and wonderfully sensory. If you enjoy materials, colour and extra-large formats, go along. We’re heading home to La Maison Fives wanting to shape, weave, stack… in other words, create. Lille has a way of making you want to experiment, and that’s exactly why we’re here.
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