Ellsworth Kelly - "Shapes and Colors"

Ellsworth Kelly at the Fondation Louis Vuitton: The Eloquence of Colors and Shapes

The Fondation Louis Vuitton unveils a major retrospective dedicated to Ellsworth Kelly, one of the prominent figures of abstract art in the 20th century. This exhibition transports us into the artist's pristine universe, where color and form merge into perfect harmony.

Featuring nearly 100 works, the exhibition offers a journey through Kelly's six-decade career: from his early post-war pieces to more contemporary creations, he explores the interaction between form, color, and space with a minimalist sensibility.

Legend has it that one day, while painting in his studio, Kelly noticed a crumpled piece of paper on the floor. Instead of discarding it, he picked it up and carefully unfolded it. As he studied the folds and curves of the paper, Kelly was struck by the harmony of the shapes that emerged.

Inspired by this unexpected find, Kelly decided to create a series of paintings based on the simple geometric forms he had observed within the crumpled paper.

These works, characterized by their clean lines and vibrant colors, became emblematic of his artistic style.

Therefore, Kelly's works, often monochromatic and with clean lines, do not result from a strict method or predefined rule. Rather, they emanate from a visual quest where forms and colors come together to create a captivating "visual harmony."

Each painting, sculpture, and drawing by Kelly reveals a keen sense of balance and proportion. Each piece reflects a contemplation of the relationship between elements, resulting in a unique visual harmony.

The scenography of the Fondation Louis Vuitton emphasizes this constant pursuit of beauty and balance. The bright and open spaces offer a total immersion into Kelly's universe, creating a subtle dialogue between art and architecture.