Expo Georges Mathieu at La Monnaie de Paris | Ticket reservation

The inventor of lyric abstraction in retrospective

Georges Mathieu (1921-2012) remains an essential figure in modern art, the influence of which far exceeds the boundaries of painting. From 1945, he rejected both figurative art and geometric abstraction to develop a radically new pictorial language: lyrical abstraction. This artistic revolution is characterized by a spontaneous gesture, a dazzling speed of execution and a raw emotion captured in the creative moment. The exhibition “Georges Mathieu. Gesture, speed, movement »retraces chronologically and thematic the evolution of this prolific creator, from his first experiments from the 1940s to his creations from the 1980s.

The route reveals eight thematic sections that shed light on the different facets of its artistic universe. Visitors will notably discover the spectacular paintings of large formats which made Mathieu’s renown, such as “Capetians everywhere!” “(1954),” The Battle of Bouvines “(1954) or” La Victoire de Denain “(1963), presented for the first time since its recent entry into the national collections. These monumental canvases, executed in an explosive gesture and a constant risk taking, perfectly illustrate the artist’s philosophy: each work becomes an act of assertiveness, a performance where the speed of execution competes with emotional intensity.

Dialogue between painting and monetary art

The “Georges Mathieu” exhibition at La Monnaie de Paris establishes a fascinating dialogue between two complementary aspects of the artist’s creation. On the one hand, its vibrant paintings where the color is deployed in large abstract calligraphy; On the other hand, his achievements for the monetary institution, demonstrating his ability to transpose his artistic language to supports as varied as medals and coins. This unprecedented confrontation reveals the extraordinary coherence of its creative approach, whatever the medium used.

The collaboration between Georges Mathieu and the currency of Paris began in 1967, nourished by a deep friendship with Pierre Dehaye, then director of currencies and medals. This privileged relationship gave birth to exceptional works, including the famous series of “eighteen moments of Western conscience” and the famous 10-franc play created in 1974. Disclosed nearly 674 million copies between 1974 and 1987, this play remains today a strong symbol of the 1970s and an eloquent testimony of Mathieu’s ability to revolutionize the traditional codes of monetary art. The exhibition also highlights the technical innovations introduced by the artist, who dared to free himself from conventional circular formats to create original forms in perfect harmony with his abstract aesthetics.

An artist with multiple facets

Beyond his monetary paintings and creations, the exhibition “Georges Mathieu. Gesture, speed, movement »explores the remarkable extent of the talent of this complete artist. The route reveals how Mathieu marked the visual environment of his contemporaries through supports as diverse as posters for Air France, the Logo of the Antenne 2 chain, or his collaborations with the Sèvres factory. This versatility testifies to its constant desire to invest all areas of creation and to renew the visual landscape of its time.

The scenography signed Corinne Marchand highlights not only the works themselves, but also the creative process of the artist. Photographic archives and documentary films, including the famous “Georges Mathieu or the fury of being” directed by Frédéric Rossif in 1971, allow visitors to virtually attend the pictorial performances of Mathieu. These precious documents capture the raw energy and theatricality which characterized its way of painting, often in public and in spectacular conditions. The exhibition also establishes stimulating connections with other major figures of abstract expressionism, presenting works by Wols and Jackson Pollock which make it possible to measure both the affinities and the specifics of Mathieu’s approach.

Why go see the “Georges Mathieu” exhibition?

The exhibition “Georges Mathieu. Gesture, speed, movement »represents an exceptional opportunity to rediscover a major artist whose historical importance has continued to be reassessed in recent years. This retrospective, the fruit of an unprecedented collaboration between the Monnaie de Paris and the Center Pompidou as part of the “Constellation” program, offers a complete and unprecedented panorama of Mathieu’s work. Art lovers will be fascinated by the confrontation between the artist’s vibrant paintings and his monetary creations, demonstrating the extraordinary coherence of his plastic language through different mediums.

The presentation of “La Victoire de Denain”, never exposed since its entry into the national collections, alone is a weight argument for this exhibition. The works presented come from the most prestigious public and private collections, offering exceptional quality and rarity. The immersive scenography and the presence of rare documentary archives make it possible to understand not only the work, but also the complex and fascinating personality of this artist who was both celebrated and controversial. Whether you are a connoisseur or simple curious, this exhibition will immerse you in the heart of a unique artistic adventure, where gesture becomes language and speed, poetry. Do not miss this meeting with one of the most influential creators in French art of the 20th century, whose heritage continues to inspire contemporary artists.