Following the resounding success of the Morozov Collection exhibition (recently returned to Russia after 1.25 million visitors saw the show in Paris), the Fondation Louis Vuitton inaugurates two new exhibitions, “Simon Hantaï (1922-2008) – the Centenary Exhibition,” and “Fugues In Color”, on view through the end of August.    

To celebrate the centenary of SIMON HANTAI (1922-2008), Fondation Louis Vuitton has opened a retrospective exhibition marking one hundred years since the birth of the French-Hungarian artist. Simon Hantaï, curated by Anne Baldassari, features over 130 of his works, many of which have never been shown before, spanning three levels of the Fondation.

The display of pieces from the artist’s workshop collection, the majority of which are being shown for the first time, includes some 15 historical works, in addition to four paintings that are part of the Fondation Louis Vuitton collection. Simon Hantaï’s paintings are being exhibited alongside those of major artists who had an influence on him, notably Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock. They are joined by works of peers and friends such as Michel Parmentier and Daniel Buren. In a tribute to Simon Hantaï, an exceptional in situ work by Daniel Buren punctuates the exhibition itinerary.

Presented on the top level of the Fondation, “FUGUES IN COLOR" (“Color Flees”) invites paint to escape the limits of the canvas, occupying space stretching from walls and floors to ceilings. Works by five internationally-renowned artists from diverse backgrounds and generations are presented in dialogue with Frank Gehry’s stunning architecture.

The exhibition presents works by American artists Sam Gilliam and Steven Parrino, Niele Toroni of Switzerland, plus two installations created specially for the Fondation Louis Vuitton by Katharina Grosse (Germany) and Megan Rooney (Canada).  

Sam Gilliam’s colored canvases are juxtaposed with an array of Misshaped Canvas by Steven Parrino. Works by Niele Toroni feature her brush stamp method on a variety of media. Megan Rooney fuses painting, architecture and performance art to create an immersive space infused with colorful vibrations. And Katharina Grosse transforms Gallery 10 into an “interface between painting and daylight”. She also unveils a special work commissioned by the Fondation that will be displayed from the beginning of September. Another of her works is featured during the 59th Biennale Internationale d’Art Contemporain at the Espace Louis Vuitton Venezia.

The exhibitions are open now until August 29th. For further information visit https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr.