Robert Couturier: Silhouettes
WHAT
The exhibition presents the works of one of the most significant post-war sculptors, alongside contemporaries such as Alberto Giacometti and Germaine Richier. Curated by Claire Maingon and Thierry Dufrêne, the exhibition explores the theme of the silhouette in the French architect and decorator’s art. Artist’s sculptures are known for their balance between figurative invention and geometric precision, and Couturier’s creations emphasise the idea of decentering in sculpture to create a unique dynamic within his art.
WHY
The exhibition aims to highlight the artist’s distinctive approach to sculpture, focusing on his use of silhouettes to capture the essence of human forms and attitudes. The curators draw parallels to the traditional art of silhouette portraits, where figures are traced and cut based on their shadows. Couturier’s ability to distill complex forms into incisive, near 2D sculptures, makes his work an exploration of both simplicity and depth, echoing the playful yet profound nature of silhouette art from the Enlightenment era.