JEAN-PAUL RIOPELLE IN ALL HIS SPLENDOUR AT THE MAEGHT FOUNDATION IN SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE

Until 12 November

Aprofound connection between Jean-Paul Riopelle and the Maeght family has truly marked the paths of art history. The painter was first exhibiting at the Maeght gallery in Paris back in 1966. Other monographic exhibitions followed in 1970 and in 1990 at the Maeght Foundation of Saint-Paul de Vence. This year marking his 100th birth anniversary, a particular lustre is given to this talented artist.

Jean-Paul Riopelle in all his splendour is beautifully highlighted by Noé Soulier’s choreography. “Passages” is now using the decor conceived by Riopelle himself back in 1967 for American choreographer Merce Cunningham. Recreated for this special event, this scenography is unveiled to the public for the very first time.

“Jean Paul Riopelle — Scents of Workshops” explores the artist’s work in a new way, offering us a journey to the very heart of his creations. The exhibition namely features a number of workshops he occupied on both sides of the Atlantic. Revealing his inimitable style, this is an ec- lectic exploration of various materials and lyricism tinged with surrealism.

Some 180 works, paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, collages, tapestries, are guiding us through the artist’s work with the different techniques used. The exhibition is inspired by some Nordic traditions, namely the well-known Inuit «thread game». It also features a series of nine imposing original lithographs and Riopelle’s largest “Chevreuse” painting, a special loan by the Pompidou Center.

“His paintings are like the side of a mountain concealing a marble quarry... The most crystalline material suddenly flows like molten lava”. This beautiful image by the art critic Franco Russoli sums it all up. A dazzling exhibition indeed … not to be missed.

Jean-Paul Riopelle — Parfums d’ateliers Fondation Maeght 623, Chemin des Gardettes, Saint-Paul de Vence