Hauser & Wirth returns to FIAC this October with a selection of works on the theme of notions of desire and sexual ambiguity. Built around an intriguing dialogue between the works of Louise Bourgeois and Hans Bellmer, the concept of the booth takes as a point of departure the title, Le Cœur est Là, referencing a series of works which Louise Bourgeois returned to over the course of her career.
While Bourgeois and Bellmer lived in Paris in 1938, it is believed they never met. Their approaches have marked differences as well as shared themes–of the body as expressive material, a source of creativity and fertility, ambiguity and eroticism. The concept pays homage to the landmark exhibition Double Sexus which was held in Berlin at the Nationalgalerie–Sammlung Scharf-Gerstenberg in 2010, the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus Ohio in 2011.
With the participation of Ubu Gallery–who loaned significant works by Hans Bellmer to Double Sexus–the booth expands on the topic by creating compelling narratives. The presentation features important works by Franz West, Lee Lozano, Zoe Leonard and others. In two works by Paul McCarthy and Alina Szapocznikow, the human form suggests a trajectory from Hans Bellmer’s illustrated book, Les Jeux de la Poupée, a collaboration with Paul Éluard for the Surrealist journal Le Minotaure.
One can also trace the legacy of Surrealism through the parallel preoccupations of Bourgeois and Bellmer. Bourgeois explored the universal emotions of human relationships, drawing on her own experiences and childhood. Bellmer’s iconic photographs of the doll assemblage sculptures were embraced by the Surrealists. Their twisted forms and ball joints were suggestive of perverse eroticism which stood in defiance to the ideals of feminine beauty celebrated by the National Socialist propaganda.
VENUE
GRAND PALAIS
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
OPENING HOURS
Wednesday , October 17th (invitation only)
Thursday, October 18th: 11h-14h (VIP Preview)
Thursday, October 18th: 2pm-8pm
Friday, October 19th: from noon to 8pm
Saturday, October 20th & Sunday, October 21st: from noon to 7pm
Friday October 19th, Saturday October 20th, Sunday October 21st: 11am-noon (VIP Preview)