Sotheby’s Hong Kong will hold a retrospective exhibition and sale for the French modern art master André Brasilier, titled “Brasilier: Grand Fantasie,” featuring a total of 21 oil paintings created between 1959 and 2019, covering the artist’s iconic themes throughout his career. Many of these works have been missing from the market for years, blending various aesthetic styles such as Fauvism, Impressionism, Expressionism, and Symbolism, witnessing Brasilier’s artistic development over the course of his life.
©André Brasilier
©André Brasilier
The works at the exhibition revolve around two important creative themes in the career of the Brazilian artist Brasilier: horses and his wife and muse Chantel. Under Brasilier’s brush, horses may stand alone in the mercury-like moonlight of a winter night, or they may gallop freely in groups under the blue sky of spring. Whether in motion or at rest, they are all embodiments of vitality. These iconic works featuring horses symbolize pure, steadfast beauty, nobility, and freedom. The artist recalls his days of raising horses in a rural mansion in his youth, simple yet moving, and thus creates works that exude a joyful atmosphere.
右：《艾菲爾鐵塔與飛燕草》1963 年作，油畫畫布，145.5 x 97 公分 ©André Brasilier
Culture and love in life are both the inspiration for Bragili. It is not difficult to feel the rhythm of memories and music in his works, and his studio often echoes with the classical melodies of Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, and intoxicating jazz. The artist’s private taste and cultural preferences are all soaked into the canvas. Various elements sometimes form lively parades and acrobatic performances, sometimes transforming into portraits of his wife and muse Chantel, gentle and leading the viewer into his utopian fantasy.
It is worth mentioning that Brasilier has deep connections with Hong Kong. He and his wife once traveled through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, and he was amazed by the scenery where the city’s streets and natural landscapes blend together. Additionally, a series of books by a famous Hong Kong writer featured Brasilier’s paintings on the covers, showing that the subtle and gentle emotional atmosphere in his works captivates people regardless of boundaries.
It is rare to be able to appreciate the classic works of this outstanding artist for over half a century. Remember to seize the opportunity to visit in person!
“Bulgari: Great Fantasia”
Date: From now until September 1 (Book a visit)
Location: Sotheby’s Art Space, Phase 1, 5th Floor, Pacific Place, Hong Kong
Image source and learn more: Hong Kong Sotheby’s
