Opening on June 8, 2023, a grand exhibition showcases 100 of French painter Pierre Bonnard’s evocative paintings at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. The display is enriched by the distinctive touch of contemporary architect and designer India Mahdavi, renowned for her playful and vibrant approach to design.
The captivating world of Pierre Bonnard, a French master of color and intimate domestic life, is currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. Each stroke of his brush represents a unique emotion and atmosphere that he masterfully captured on canvas. India Mahdavi’s thoughtfully curated spaces provide a lively backdrop for Bonnard’s works, creating an engaging dialogue between the art of the past and the design of the present.
Bonnard (1867–1947) was a French painter and printmaker, as well as a founding member of the Post-Impressionist group of avant-garde painters known as Les Nabis, which translates into “The Prophets”. Bonnard preferred to work from memory, using drawings as a reference, and his paintings are often characterized by a dreamlike quality. The painter is known for his intimate, personal depictions of domestic life. His color palette is also noteworthy for its vibrancy and boldness. He painted many different subjects, ranging from still life and landscapes to nudes and domestic scenes. He was less concerned with realistic representation and more interested in conveying mood and atmosphere. Bonnard’s body of work is celebrated for its personal and introspective nature, as well as for its innovative use of color. His paintings often feature surprising perspectives while his skillful manipulation of light and color is often likened to a precursor of some aspects of modernism and abstraction. Moreover, he is regarded as one of the greatest colorists of the early 20th century and his work has had a lasting influence on many later artists.
Photo credit : William West / AFP
Matching Bonnard’s paintings that are renowned for their vibrant use of color and intricate patterning, Mahdavi has built an international reputation for her innovative approach to color and form. Her work spans the realms of interiors, architecture, and furniture design. She is recognized for her ability to blend different cultures and eras into a sophisticated yet playful style that is uniquely her own. Nicknamed the “Queen of Color,” Mahdavi is an influential contemporary architect and designer, known for her vibrant, playful approach to design. She was born in 1962 in Tehran, Iran, but spent her early years in America and France due to her father’s profession as a doctor and university professor. She pursued her education in Paris and New York, and she delved into the realms of graphic design, fashion, and eventually architecture.
Visitors are invited to embark on this remarkable journey to explore the synergy of Bonnard’s post-impressionistic palette and Mahdavi’s modern design sensibilities in an extraordinary fusion of color, pattern, and form.
With AFP.