Bozar in Brussels to Open the Most Important Antoni Tàpies Retrospective in Almost 20 Years

The rich body of work by Catalonian artist Antoni Tàpies, which completely defies any attempt at categorization, has left a strong mark on the art world. Not one to conform to the conventional boundaries, the painter, sculptor, and art theorist, throughout his career, explored the perception of reality and human nature, as well as the politics and history of his country.

On the occasion of the centenary of the artist's birth and in celebration of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar) in Brussels is organizing the most significant retrospective of Tàpies in the last two decades, entitled The Practice of Art. With more than 120 works, which include paintings, sculptures, and drawings, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the genius of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Surrealism and Matter Paintings

When looking at the immense oeuvre that he has produced, it is hard to imagine that Antoni Tàpies (1923-2012) was a self-taught artist. As a young law student, he still found time to learn everything he could about art. It is no wonder that shortly after he created his first piece, he abandoned his studies and fully committed himself to art. From self-portraits, influenced by the works of Paul Klee and Joan Miró, he shifted to the Surrealist and Dada movements. As a member of the avant-garde group Dau al Set, he began creating works full of monsters, bizarre landscapes, and distorted figures. In the 1950s, he slowly began making his signature "matter paintings" by incorporating various materials, signs, and marks.  

Tàpies' Assemblages

The Practice of Art continues to Tàpies' 1960s objects and assemblages. Yet by the end of the decade, influenced by Pop art, he began leaning more toward Arte Povera, which can be seen in his use of more substantial objects from his surroundings.

Always looking for ways to experiment and push boundaries, he began incorporating nontraditional materials in his works, such as marble dust, soil, paper, rags, and clay. By skillfully combining them, he was able to create complex and rich texture patterns. He preferred strong hand-to-hand contact with the material and produced three-dimensional artworks full of graphic and symbolic signs.

Tàpies was strongly invested in the political events of his country. In his works, he often depicted subjects that were loudly opposing the current political regime. Tàpies said:

In my painting, I want to inscribe all my country's difficulties, even if I cause displeasure: suffering, painful experiences, prison, a gesture of revolt. Art must live the truth.

Antoni Tàpies At Bozar

The exhibition is accompanied by a book published by Bozar Books, which includes texts by Antoni Tàpies and Manuel Borja-Villel, curator. The Practice of Art, which opens the Tàpies Year ("Any Tàpies"), has its European premiere at Bozar and will then travel to Madrid, at the Reina Sofía Museum, and to Barcelona, at the Fundació Antoni Tàpies.

The exhibition Antoni Tàpies: The Practice of Art at Bozar in Brussels will be on view from September 15th until January 7th, 2024.

Featured image: Antoni Tàpies - The Barbershop of the Damned and the Chosen, 1950. Oil on canvas © Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Barcelona / SABAM Photo: © FotoGasull; Antoni Tàpies - Matter in the Form of a Foot, 1965. Mixed media on canvas mounted on wood © Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Barcelona / SABAM Photo: © FotoGasull