In the late 19th century, in the shadow of Impressionism, a group of artists working in Paris pioneered a new, more experimental approach to painting that leveraged abstraction and symbolism, ultimately establishing the early foundation of 20th-century Modern art. The group is known as the Nabis, and while many were students of the Académie Julian there was a strong pull away from Academic traditions. And unlike previous artistic movements, the Nabis did not adhere to a unified style, but instead championed individuality, believing each artist was the architect of their own expressive world of metaphors, symbols, and aesthetics.

The Nabis proved revolutionary, and the seismic effect of their work is the subject of a sweeping group show, “The Nabi Shock,” at Waddington Custot, the inaugural exhibition at the gallery’s new Paris location.

Maurice Denis, Le Cheval blanc (projet de vitrail) (1894). Courtesy of Waddington Custot.

“The Nabi Shock” features important works by some of the groups key figures, including Émile Bernard, Pierre Bonnard, and Edouard Vuillard, just to name a few, illustrating the dynamic range of styles that emerged in the period. The ongoing influence of Nabi painting  is evidenced with a collection of contemporary pieces on view by artists like Fabienne Verdier, Pierre Knop, Christine Safa, and more, exemplifying a cross-generation dialogue on the importance of color, rhythm, and internalized logics.

Fabienne Verdier, Sur les routes de la mer (2025). Courtesy of Waddington Custot.

A stalwart presence in London for decades, Waddington Custot debuted a space in Dubai in 2016, opening the door to a new landscape of collectorship, and with the opening of its new Paris location, the gallery reaffirms its commitment to both historic and contemporary French art scene. Inaugurating the new location with “The Nabi Shock” reflects the core of Waddinton Custot expertise, highlighting the art and artists that have come to define the gallery’s program.

“We are proud to open our first Parisian space in the vibrant artistic hub of Saint-Germain-des-Prés,” said gallery cofounder Stéphane Custot. “We aim to contribute to the renewal of Rue de Seine, where artistic forms and eras have always been in dialogue, reflecting our own manifesto which unites leading figures of Modern art with major contemporary creators. For this inaugural exhibition, we are presenting the Nabis alongside a new generation of artists, at a time when this significant art historical movement is receiving considerable institutional attention in the form of large-scale exhibitions, such as those at the National Library of France and La Pedrera in Barcelona.”

“The Nabi Shock” will be on view April 9–June 6, 2026, at Waddington Custot, Paris.