Jean Hélion: La prose du monde
WHAT
The late French artist (1904-1987) was a pioneering painter and intellectual whose work spanned the 20th century. Renowned for introducing abstraction to America in the 1930s, he eventually evolved towards a unique form of figuration. This retrospective exhibition features over 150 oeuvres, including 103 paintings, 50 drawings, notebooks, and extensive documentation. Organised chronologically, it showcases his journey from geometric abstraction to personal figuration, reflecting his interactions with leading artists and intellectuals of his time.
WHY
The artist’s works balance abstraction and figuration, capturing the tension and fragility of the human condition. The exhibition offers audiences an in-depth look at his innovative approach to painting, exploring his ability to reconstruct images from abstract forms. Through scenes of daily life without the sentimentality, his art invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of reality and the evolution of artistic expression.