Fondation Maeght Honors the Poignant Artistry of Jean-Paul Riopelle

On July 1 in the South of France, Fondation Maeght—founded by legendary art dealers Marguerite and Aimé Maeght—debuted the solo exhibition "Jean-Paul Riopelle - Parfums d'ateliers,” currently on view through November 12. Dedicated to the late Canadian artist Jean-Paul Riopelle, and uniquely curated by his daughter Yseult Riopelle, the comprehensive show of over 180 works invites visitors to step inside the mind of the visionary creative with full immersion into his compelling oeuvre.

Born in Montreal in 1923, the deft Riopelle divided his studies between the École Polytechnique de Montréal, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the School of Furniture, honing his art and design skills as well as forming friendships with avante-garde artists such as painter Paul-Émile Borduas. After relocating to Paris in 1947 to work with further freedom of expression, Riopelle soon connected with French writer André Breton, and was selected to take part in the International Exhibition of Surrealism. Dividing his time at exhibitions and studios in cities across the globe–such as London, New York, Quebec, and the South of France—invigorated Riopelle to explore all facets of drawing, painting, ceramics, and tapestry.

In an awe-inspiring combination of private and public loans, the dynamic show ranges from abstraction to figuration, from black and white to hypnotic use of color, with bold and evocative shapes, forms, and allusions. The evolution of meticulous techniques utilized by Riopelle is explored throughout the labyrinthine spaces of Fondation Maeght, as are a myriad of inspirations: the fluid artistry of Matisse, ceremonious Nordic culture, and elusive mythical animals. Six sweeping original lithographs join the artist’s largest painting, Chevreuse (1954), on loan from Centre Pompidou, in an investigation of the artist’s lustrous creations and poetic imagination. Masterpieces such as Great Fall (1967), Warrior Suite (1972), and Sucker Hole (1972 and 1989) evoke the artist's lively spirit, as well as a deep sensitivity to both the seen and the unseen. 

Alongside the exclusive show, a hearty summer program of outdoor film screenings, concerts, and children’s workshops focus on the generous, artistic heart of Riopelle. In a dreamlike awakening of the artist’s sketchbooks, an abstract, pastel set design imagined for choreographer Merce Cunningham in 1967 comes to fruition in the modern performance Passages by renowned dancer and choreographer Noé Soulier.

Visitors are encouraged to make reservations at www.fondation-maeght.com/ticketing.