To Start Again Like a Child

06 September - 07 October 2023

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

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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

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Karel Appel, Head on the Sea, 1958

Oil on canvas

130 x 162 cm | 51.2 x 63.8 in

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Karel Appel, Little Mushroom Men, 1961

Oil on canvas

161 x 129 cm | 63.4 x 50.8 in

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Karel Appel, People in the fallen City, 1989

Acrylic and crayon on paper

85 x 103 cm | 33.5 x 40.6 in

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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

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Obélisque serpents

Painted resin and light bulbs

30 x 11,75 cm | 11.8 x 4.6 in

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Oiseau amoureux, 2000

Painted resin

60 x 48 x 23 cm | 23.6 x 18.9 x 9.1 in

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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

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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

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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

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Le Miroir, 1980

Polyester painted wood, mirrored glass

106 x 152 x 25,5 cm | 41.7 x 59.8 x 10 in

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Fauteuil noir, 1980

Polyester paint

102 x 79 x 70 cm | 40.2 x 31.1 x 27.6 in

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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

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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

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Collaboration (Remembering), 1998

Fiberglass and painted polyester

84 x 74 x 13 cm | 33 x 29 x 5 in

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Niki De Saint Phalle, Dragon, 1974-75

Painted polyester

65 x 50 x 23 cm | 25.6 x 19.7 x 9.1 in

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