Mhaata Gallery, located in Brussels, proudly presents the exhibition "From Reality to Mystery" by renowned artist Bernard Bouin. This highly anticipated showcase will commence with a grand vernissage on Thursday, May 25, 2023, and will continue to captivate art enthusiasts until July 7, 2023.
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For his debut exhibition in Brussels, gallery owner Jacques Antoine Tanner has carefully selected a collection of works, including diptychs and other formats, created by Bernard Bouin between 1990 and 2000. During this period, Bouin drew inspiration from Italian primitives, particularly the influential works of Piero Della Francesca. These artworks, characterized by their depth and unique sensitivity, reflect the profound impact of these painting masters on Bouin's artistic journey.
In addition to the earlier period, the exhibition also showcases more recent works by Bouin, including still lifes, nocturnal landscapes, and graphic representations of the rocks and cliffs of Étretat. These pieces, created using mixed media techniques between 2015 and 2018, demonstrate the artist's evolving style and artistic diversity. Together, these twenty-four artworks offer viewers a glimpse into Bouin's creative trajectory from 1990 to the present day, each piece telling a distinct story and capturing the essence of his artistic exploration.
Bernard Bouin's professional career began in 1990 at the renowned Galerie Visconti on 37 Rue de Seine in Paris. Since then, his work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions in France and internationally, spanning various galleries, institutional venues, and museums. In 2005, Michel de Reymaeker, the former chief curator of the Municipal Museums of Mons, presented a significant collection of Bouin's work in an exhibition titled "Le temps suspendu" (The Suspended Time) in Belgium. This exhibition allowed visitors to discover Bouin's artwork and appreciate his ability to capture suspended moments in time.
Bouin's figurative paintings are deeply influenced by his fascination with the human form and the representation of each individual's essence. He seeks to reconcile the visible world with the spiritual realm, the concrete with the abstract, through his art, creating a profound and meaningful exploration. Through his works, Bouin aims to give voice to the inexpressible, reveal the hidden beauty within ordinary moments, and convey a timeless dimension.
In December 2019, El Viso Paris-Madrid Editions published a major monograph titled "Bernard Bouin: Paintings from Reality to Mystery," providing a comprehensive overview of his body of work. This retrospective publication allows readers to delve into the world of this exceptional artist, featuring over 200 paintings accompanied by insightful texts written by art historian Lydia Harambourg.
The exhibition "From Reality to Mystery" by Bernard Bouin at Mhaata Gallery in Brussels promises an extraordinary artistic journey, where viewers can explore the profound and captivating evolution of the artist's work. Bouin's ability to evoke both the tangible and the mysterious invites contemplation and appreciation of the beauty found within his unique artistic vision.
Cover image: Bernard Bouin. The Trouble, 1990. Courtesy of Mhaata Gallery.
Written by Kooness
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