We are eagerly anticipating the Tate’s opening of The C C Land Exhibition Pierre Bonnard: The Colour of Memory on January 23rd. Pierre Bonnard was a Post-Impressionist painter and founding member of Les Nabis. Les Nabis was an avant-garde group dedicated to representing things symbolically in brilliant patterns and color.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947), Le Jardin, 1936. Oil on canvas. Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris (Paris, France). Image and details courtesy of Tate.
Bonnard was greatly admired by his peers. Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954) referred to Bonnard as, “the greatest of us all.” What continues to make Bonnard exceptional is his use of color, emotion, and preferring to paint from memory. Many people are surprised by this remarkable fact upon viewing his detailed paintings.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947), Le Café, 1915. Graphite on paper. A preparatory sketch for Coffee. Image and details courtesy of Tate.
Only once he was thoroughly familiar with his sketches created from memory did he endeavor to capture his expressive recollections on canvas. The movement of subjects is so masterfully captured and composed you can easily imagine the subject fluidly completing the motion illustrated by Bonnard.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947), Coffee, 1915. Oil on canvas. Image and details courtesy of Tate.
Our team has had the privilege of placing artwork by Pierre Bonnard in our portfolio and can attest to the exquisite use of color and composition. His paintings draw you in for a closer look at the tiniest of details drudged up from his memories and committed to canvas.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947), Nude in an Interior, circa 1935. Oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.). Image and details courtesy of The National Gallery of Art.
The exhibit will feature approximately 100 works traversing the four decades of the artist’s career. The Tate is offering tours accompanied by a curator in an effort to guide and enhance the experience.
So often attendees rush through the exhibit or are too put off by large groups to notice important details. The Tate has thoughtfully taken this into consideration during its programming. Guests will be encouraged to take a closer look and linger as they take in the nuances of Bonnard’s masterpieces.
Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867-1947), The Violet Fence, 1923. Oil on canvas, 27″ H X 33″ W. Image and details courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.
The C C Land Exhibition Pierre Bonnard: The Colour of Memory will include works from museums and private collections. We look forward to taking in what is surely a breathtaking exhibit while in London. The exhibit will run through May 6, 2019, before it travels on to Copenhagen and Vienna. Details to attend below.
The C C Land Exhibition Pierre Bonnard: The Colour of Memory
Tate Modern
The Eyal Ofer Galleries
Bankside
London
Opens January 23rd and runs through May 6, 2019
Plan your visit