Simon Hantaï, Paintings from 1963 to 1968, is an exhibition dedicated to the first works created using "the folding method."
The year 1960 marked a decisive turning point in Simon Hantaï's career with the introduction of the folding technique, "folding as a method." This innovation, which has become emblematic of his work, transcends the limits of traditional painting, giving the canvas a unique sculptural dimension.
The artist crumples the canvas randomly before applying paint only to the accessible parts.
The unfolding then reveals the composition as well as unexpected reliefs and hollows. This approach, based on chance, generates works of haunting beauty, where each fold and each nuance of color adds an unpredictable and fascinating depth.
His first series using this technique, titled "Mariales et manteaux de la Vierge" pays homage to representations of the Virgin in majesty, particularly through the famous "Maestà di Ognissanti" by Giotto, created in 1306 and discovered by the artist in Florence in 1948.
The series was divided into two parts: the "Mariales," comprising 28 paintings created between 1960 and 1962, and the "Manteaux de la Vierge," produced between 1962 and 1964.
Next come the "Catamurons," where the artist refocuses the pictorial gesture, leaving the outline of the composition untouched.
The "Panses", inspired by Henri Michaux's cosmic sausage, introduce ovoid shapes, giving the canvas a sculptural dimension.
Finally, the "Meuns," inspired by the village of Seine-et-Marne where Hantaï settled in 1965, place white, or the "unpainted," at the heart of the composition. The canvas, first folded at the four corners and in the center, is then covered with color.
This collection of works, coming from prestigious private collections, perfectly illustrates Simon Hantaï's creative genius through his various series.