Antonio Saura: Dora Maar (1983), Öl auf Leinwand, 162 x 130 cm, Genf, Sammlung Philippe Setton.
© succession antonio saura, © 2012, ProLitteris, Zürich
Self-educated, Saura (1930-1998) began his artistic career in 1947 under the influence of Yves Tanguy and Joan Miró. In search of a “true landscape of the unconscious,” he started producing his first surrealist works from 1950 onwards. Subsequently he stayed in Paris for quite a while (1954-1955). Since 1956 he began to develop an individual style that is distinct on account of its expressive structure and strongly gestural character in the thematic series Damen 7 (Ladies 7) and Selbstbildnisse (Portraits). In his comprehensive oeuvre Saura repeatedly reveals his interest in other artists' expression such as Diego Vélasquez, Francisco de Goya, and Pablo Picasso.
The retrospective presented at the Kunstmuseum of Bern, focuses on all phases of the artist’s creative development, represents his large series of pictures through key works, and, not least, explores facets of his illustrative and graphic oeuvre. Additionally, also sculptures by the artist are on show. It is an ambitious project, concerning the first large-scale retrospective since the landmark 1979 exhibition organized by Ad Petersen at the Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum while Saura was still alive.
On show until 11 November 2012.
The retrospective presented at the Kunstmuseum of Bern, focuses on all phases of the artist’s creative development, represents his large series of pictures through key works, and, not least, explores facets of his illustrative and graphic oeuvre. Additionally, also sculptures by the artist are on show. It is an ambitious project, concerning the first large-scale retrospective since the landmark 1979 exhibition organized by Ad Petersen at the Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum while Saura was still alive.
On show until 11 November 2012.
