Anne Berest's book Gabriële centers on the life of Francis Picabia's wife and examines her relationship with the artist. The narrative is closely tied to a major exhibition of Picabia's work in Milan, opening on 9 October. Berest is also creating a four-part series for Beaux Arts titled « Francis Picabia, ouvrir les portes de la nuit », which will be released weekly. The series traces her early encounter with Picabia’s art and her personal journey into uncovering her family's history, beginning during her teenage years. She revisits the Centre Pompidou in Paris multiple times, each visit revealing new perspectives, and reflects on how Picabia’s work evokes deep emotional and physical responses. Berest notes that his paintings—such as those featuring his wives with bulldogs—elicit a unique reaction, distinct from the works of artists like Picasso or Braque. She describes the experience of viewing his art as akin to the sensation of another person’s touch. During her research, Berest discovers that she has an aunt named Anne, who married Pancho, the first son of Francis Picabia. She travels to Paris to meet this aunt, who resides in Montmartre. The meeting takes place in a dimly lit apartment filled with the scent of time standing still. Anne Picabia, an elderly woman, shares stories from her youth, including an anecdote about Yves Klein proposing to her. The encounter includes a meal at a local brasserie, where Anne drinks heavily and recounts tales that Berest finds fascinating. After the meal, Anne leaves discreetly without paying, telling Berest to follow suit to avoid being noticed. Berest complies, leaving the restaurant and returning home, where her mother is waiting. Berest’s ongoing exploration of her family history and Picabia’s artistic legacy continues with the Milan exhibition. Running from 9 October 2026 to 24 January 2027, the exhibition takes place at the Palazzo Reale and features more than 170 works. Unlike traditional chronological exhibitions, this one examines Picabia’s artistic development from impressionism to abstraction, offering a broader perspective on his evolution as an artist. The exhibition aims to provide deeper insight into the personal and creative influences that shaped his work.