To Start Again Like a Child
This exhibition invites you to explore the artistic journey of Karel Appel & Niki de Saint Phalle, shedding light on their unique styles, approaches, and the profound impact they had on the art world. As you immerse yourself in their works, you will witness the evolution of their artistic voices, rebellious spirits, and relentless pursuit of creative expression.
Karel Appel, the Dutch painter, sculptor, and co-founder of the influential CoBrA movement, captivated audiences with his bold, expressive style. His canvases burst with vibrant colours, thick brushstrokes, and a childlike spontaneity that exuded raw energy. Inspired by primitive and folk art, Appel fearlessly experimented with various media, ranging from painting and sculpture to ceramics and printmaking. He challenged traditional artistic conventions, infusing his work with a sense of playfulness and freedom that continues to resonate today.
Niki de Saint Phalle, the French-American artist, embarked on a journey that led her to explore monumental sculptures and delve into the theme of femininity, social issues, and the human condition. Her iconic Nanas series, with its voluptuous and brightly coloured female figures, radiates joy, strength, and liberation. Saint Phalle’s sculptures, created with a diverse range of materials such as polyester, resins, and found objects, embraced whimsical and narrative elements. Her art dares to bridge the gap between art and everyday life, captivating audiences with its audacity and beauty.
This exhibition also highlights their association with the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which sought to blur the boundaries between art and everyday life.
Opera Gallery is delighted to present the exhibition "To Start Again Like a Child" of Karel Appel & Niki de Saint Phalle in Seoul the 6th of September 2023.
SELECTED WORKS
Karel Appel, Woman and Bird on Beach, 1956
Oil on canvas
96 x 129.5 cm | 37.8 x 51 in
Karel Appel, Si près et pourtant si loin, 1987
Oil, acrylic, gouache and ink on japan paper laid on silk
373 x 233 cm | 146.9 x 91.7 in
Karel Appel, Head on the Sea, 1958
Oil on canvas
130 x 162 cm | 51.2 x 63.8 in
Karel Appel, Little Mushroom Men, 1961
Oil on canvas
161 x 129 cm | 63.4 x 50.8 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, White Tree, 1972
Resin polyester joined on a wood panel
244.5 x 122 x 22 cm | 96.3 x 48 x 8.7 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Oiseau amoureux, 2000
Painted resin
60 x 48 x 23 cm | 23.6 x 18.9 x 9.1 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, L'oiseau amoureux, 1988
Watercolour, coloured chalk and acrylic on japan paper laid on silk
260 x 285 cm | 102.4 x 112.2 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Ange vase, 1993
Painted polyester, iron base
99 x 57 x 32 cm | 39 x 22.4 x 12.6 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Lady with Handbag, 2000
Painted resin
63 x 36 x 10 cm | 24.8 x 14.2 x 3.9 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Le Miroir (Magie du miroir), 1980
Polyester, painted wood, mirrored glass
105,9 x 152 x 25,4 cm | 41.7 x 59.8 x 10 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Fauteuil noir, 1980
Polyester paint
102 x 79 x 70 cm | 40.2 x 31.1 x 27.6 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Head, 1967-1968
Acrylic on papier-mâché
76,5 x 55 x 63 cm | 30.1 x 21.7 x 24.8 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, The Blue Falcon, 1980
Painted polyester, metal, light bulbs and electric systems
66 x 37 x 21 cm | 26 x 14.6 x 8.3 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Collaboration (Remembering), 1998
Fiberglass and painted polyester
84 x 74 x 13 cm | 33 x 29 x 5 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Cat Vase, 1986
Polyester resin, painted and glazed terracotta
39 x 32 x 21,5 cm | 15.4 x 12.6 x 8.5 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Nana courant, 1966
Painted papier-mâché
71 x 72,5 x 39 cm | 28 x 28.5 x 15.4 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, I am Upside Down, Green (Remembering), 1997
Acrylic on polyester resin
117 x 80 x 14 cm | 46.1 x 31.5 x 5.5 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Do You Like My New Dress, Black (Remembering), 1997 - 2000
Fiberglass and painted polyester
99 x 55,8 x 10,1 cm | 39 x 22 x 4 in
Niki De Saint Phalle, Dragon, 1974-75
Painted polyester
65 x 50 x 23 cm | 25.6 x 19.7 x 9.1 in