Bernar Venet"Undetermined line"
1989
Oilstick,pastel and collage on paper mounted on paper
signed, titled and dated along the lower edge
12.99 x 16.93 in ( 33 x 43 cm )

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Inquiry - "Undetermined line", 1989

Bernar Venet began to study indeterminate lines in 1983. After initial research on lines subject to simple mathematical formulas, the sculptor explored the indeterminacy of curves and silhouettes. Something spontaneous seems to emerge from the Indeterminate Line: a certain lightness as if the line could be extended in its movement. The artist creates monumental sculptures in the form of lines developing randomly in space and whose design presented here constitutes a two-dimensional transcription. The drawing has a very important role in the work of Bernar Venet, it is considered as a work in its own right and not preparatory.

Bernar Venet, born on April 20, 1941, in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, France, is a renowned contemporary artist known for his monumental abstract works that explore concepts of mathematics and philosophy through sculpture, painting, and drawing.
Venet grew up in southern France and showed early interest in both art and science. At the age of 17, he abandoned his studies in mathematics to fully devote himself to art. He settled in Nice in the 1960s, where he began exploring conceptual and minimalist art movements, influences that would deeply shape his future work.
In the 1970s, Venet emerged on the international art scene with his monumental steel sculptures, often presented as beams, arcs, or circles, which explore tension, balance, and strength. These works, known as "Indeterminate Lines," are characterized by their monumentality and their ability to question the limits of spatial perception and structural balance.
One of the notable works from this period is the series of "Arcs," where Venet uses massive curved steel profiles to create forms that seem to defy gravity while exploring mathematical concepts of curve and tangent. These monumental sculptures have been exhibited in public spaces and museums worldwide, contributing to Venet's reputation as a globally renowned artist.
In the 1980s, Venet continued his conceptual explorations through drawings and abstract paintings that echo the motifs and themes of his sculptures. His charcoal drawings, in particular, reflect his interest in the simplicity of lines and the beauty of fundamental geometric forms. They exhibit mathematical rigor while maintaining an aesthetic sensibility unique to Venet.
Alongside his artistic work, Bernar Venet has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. In 1983, a major exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris solidified his position in the French and international contemporary art scene. This exhibition highlighted his artistic evolution since the 1970s and was accompanied by the publication of a significant catalogue documenting his work up to that period.
Another significant exhibition was his participation in the Venice Biennale in 1988, where Venet presented new steel sculptures as well as recent drawings and paintings. His involvement in such large-scale events helped broaden his audience and solidify his influence on the global art scene.
In the decades that followed, Bernar Venet continued to diversify his work by exploring new materials and developing thematic series that delve into deeper philosophical concepts such as epistemology and the perception of reality. His career has been marked by constant exploration and artistic evolution rooted in profound reflections on mathematics, philosophy, and aesthetics.
In addition to his studio work, Venet has also created several large-scale public artworks, including commissions for institutions and private collections worldwide. These monumental works continue to mark urban landscapes and public spaces, providing viewers with an immersive experience of Venet's abstract and conceptual art.