Highlight #8: Art masters who celebrates spring in Europe

Compelling solo shows in Basel, London, and Paris

Switzerland, Basel <Paul Gaugin>

8 February~28 June 2015_The Fondation Beyeler

Here comes one of the big icons of Modern Art. Paul Gaugin's solo exhibition is on view at Basel. Born in 1828 in Paris and having died in 1903 in Atuona, Gauguin has gone down in art history as the painter of the South Pacific, who created dreamlike pictures of an exotic realm in beautiful, strong but luminous hues. His representative styles of pure colors and flat forms profoundly influenced the artists of the following generation.
In his paintings, he depicted exotic world, harmoniously combining nature and culture, mysticism and eroticism, dream and reality.

This dazzling exhibition mainly focuses on these world-renowned masterpieces he created in Tahiti and also features Gauguin’s multifaceted self-portraits as well as the visionary paintings from his time in Brittany. In addition to paintings, the exhibition includes a selection of Gauguin’s enigmatic sculptures.
Through art, Gauguin persistently searched for freedom and happiness throughout his entire life. Visitors will be able to discover his passion through this memorable exhibition.

<Primitive Tales>

1902 Oil on canvas, 131.5×90.5cm Museum Folkwang, Essen Photograph ⓒ Museum Folkwang, Essen
<What’s news?>

1892 Oil on canvas 67×91cm Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Galerie Neue Meister, Dresden Photo: Jurgen Karpins
<Jug in Form of a Head, Self-Portrait>

1889 Stoneware Height 19.5cm Designmuseum Danmark, Copenhagen Photo: Pernille Klemp
<In Olden Times>

1892 Oil on canvas 91×69cm Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, on loan at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid Photograph ⓒ Collection Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

ENGLAND, London <Marlene Dumas>

5 February~10 May 2015_Tate Modern

Born in 1953 in Cape Town, South Africa, Marlene Dumas is one of the most prominent painters of her generation. Dumas explores the physical and psychological reality of human existence and the importance of the painted image. Dumas’s imagery frequently references art history, popular culture and current issues. Her approach to creating art combines the personal with the public, painting those closest to her, such as her daughter, alongside images of famous figures, such as Amy Winehouse, Princess Diana and Osama bin Laden.

The title of the exhibition is derived from Dumas’s <The Image as Burden>(1993), a small painting depicting one figure carrying another. As indicated by the concept behind the exhibition’s title, her interest lies in the impact that the act of painting has on the image, rather than that of the image on the painting. The exhibition provides a compelling overview of the works she produced and also brings together over 100 pieces of her most important pieces, including iconic paintings, drawings, and experimental collage.

<Evil is Banal>

1984 Collection Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, The Netherlands ⓒ Marlene Dumas Photo credit: Peter Cox, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

France, Paris <Bruce Nauman>

14 March~21 June 2015_The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain

A major solo exhibition of the work of Bruce Nauman, one of the most influential contemporary artists living today, is on view for the first time in France in over 15 years.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1941, he studied mathematics, physics and fine art. Labeled a conceptual or a minimalist artist, he has created numerous genre-defining works through the exploration of the body over the past 50 years. He is known for experimenting with multiple media, including sculpture, performance, installation, and video throughout his career.

The exhibition showcases a thoughtful selection of recent works, chosen by the artist and never before shown in France. It also presents some impressive installations, created from a wide range of media that Burden had previously explored. For instance, his most recent video, <Pencil Lift/Mr. Rogers>(2013), which reflects the multifaceted nature of his artistic practice, is presented in dramatic proportions on a large LED screen,
Continuously interested in linking his work to its surrounding environment, Burden has created pieces for this exhibition that encourage visitors to have a physical and emotional experience. ■ with ARTINPOST

<Carousel(Stainless steel version)>

1988 Stainless steel, cast aluminum, polyrurethane foam, electric motor ⓒ Bruce Nauman/ADAGP, Paris 2015 Photo courtesy Glenstone
<Pencil Lift/Mr.Rogers>

2013 Audio and video installation: 1 LED Screen Right component: Mr. Rogers, 46 sec, looped ⓒ Bruce Nauman/ADAGP, Paris 2015 Photo courtesy Sperone Westwater, New York
<Anthro/Socio(Rinde Facing Camera)>

1991 Audio and video installation Dimensions variable ⓒ Bruce Nauman/ADAGP, Paris 2015 Photo courtesy Glenstone