News

Manet’s Early Paintings Are Explored in “Manet. Return to Venice”

May 1st, 2013

Nearly 80 paintings, drawings, and prints from Edouard Manet’s early career will be on display at Venice’s Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia in their new “Manet. Return to Venice” exhibit. The show was organized in collaboration with Paris’ Musee d’Orsay, which houses the largest number of Manet’s masterpieces.

The exhibit is centered around Manet’s formative years as a painter, with a special attention paid to the Italian Renaissance art that served as the inspiration of his early musings. Though Manet’s art would later be thought of as the pre-cursor to modern art, much of his early work was increasingly academic. Italian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Lotto were the influence of much of Manet’s early career.

“Manet. Return to Venice” marks the most significant and critical Manet exhibit to take place in Italy. The exhibition will be on display in Venice through August 18^th.

Tags: Edouard Manet
Posted in Artists, Exhibitions | No Comments »

Comprehensive Dali Exhibit in Madrid Traces Career from Start to Finish

April 29th, 2013

Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum opened a major retrospective exhibit dedicated to the life and works of surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. The exhibit stands at over 200 pieces strong, including works in painting, drawing, sculpture, writing, and film and television clips—all of which were chosen to show Dali’s influence on modern art in the early 20^th century. Titled, “Dali. All of the poetic suggestions and all of the plastic possibilities,” the exhibition is set to run April 27^th through September 2^nd.

The show catalogues Dali’s career from start to finish, beginning with works from his time as a student in Madrid. The exhibit follows Dali’s influential role in the formation of surrealism, his mystical and nuclear stages—where he focused on religious and scientific themes—and finally to the end of his career when he worked often in film, television, and set design. At the center of it all stands Dali’s most recognized piece, “The Persistence of Memory” featuring his iconic melting pocket watches.

Dali’s influence penetrates as deep as it does wide, with works ranging in a variety of mediums. Show curator Montse Aguer commented on Dali’s works saying, “Dali lived in an era when painting was inexorably destined to lose ground to other art forms like photography, cinema and conceptual art, and he dabbled in all of these.”

Tags: Dali, Reina Sofia Museum
Posted in Exhibitions | No Comments »

Learn More About Alexandre Renoir’s MasterCard Priceless LA Kid’s Painting Experience at Galerie Michael!

April 26th, 2013

Alexandre Renoir is back at Galerie Michael, this time for a children’s painting experience as part of MasterCard Priceless Los Angeles!

Children ages 8 to 15 are invited to the gallery on May 11 for a one-hour class with artist Alexandre Renoir. During the event, each child will have the opportunity to learn painting fundamentals, as well as some of Alexandre Renoir’s signature styling’s, including his “wet on wet” technique in which paint is applied quickly and intensely over multiple layers before drying. Classes will begin at 11am and 1pm, and all proceeds benefit The Children of War Foundation.

MasterCard Priceless Los Angeles delivers cardholders exclusive access to Priceless experiences including shopping events, culinary adventures, and more…even children’s painting lessons with a legendary artist!

Tickets are only $25 for this one-of-a-kind event, so sign up today to reserve a spot for your child. Feel free to contact Galerie Michael if you have any questions. We hope to see you soon!

Tags: Alexandre Renoir
Posted in Gallery Events | No Comments »

Picasso and Manet Paintings Included in The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s First Permanent Collection

April 23rd, 2013

The still under construction Louvre Abu Dhabi recently unveiled the first glimpses into its initial permanent collection. Plans for the new museum began back in 2007 after announcements from the Louvre Paris, but construction has been delayed numerous times.

The first look into the collection featured 130 works from a wide array of genres and mediums, including everything from Persian artifacts to 20^th century French paintings. Curators from the Louvre Abu Dhabi said no artistic pieces are off-limits, but the museum will not “shock for the sake of shocking.”

The collection is not without its share of fine art heavy hitters, with works by Paul Gaugin and Rene Magritte, and famed pieces such as Pablo Picasso’s “Portrait of a Lady,” and Edouard Manet’s “Portrait of a Gypsy.”

In spite of repeated construction setbacks, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2015 with its complete permanent collection. Despite criticisms from its neighboring countries and conservatives within, the museum will not exclude themes such as sexuality and religion in its pieces. Museum planners hope its expansive collection can help bring people together and realize cultural connections.

Tags: Manet, Picasso, The Louvre
Posted in Art News | No Comments »

Works by Andy Warhol Fill The MAC in Northern Ireland

April 22nd, 2013

The Metropolitan Arts Centre (The MAC) in Belfast is wrapping up a museum wide Andy Warhol exhibition chronicling the artist’s life and career. The exhibit features 232 works and marks the first time Northern Ireland has hosted a major exhibition dedicated to Any Warhol.

As visitors enter the museum, they’re greeted by Warhol’s “I think everybody should like everybody,”—an especially relevant quote for the Belfast setting. The entrance is covered with Warhol designed advertisements and posters, such as marketing materials he created for the Velvet Underground. The MAC chose to focus the exhibit on the fundamental human themes that penetrate Warhol’s body of work: the beauty and glamour of youth and fame, material culture, the passing of time, and the presence of death. Using then controversial techniques such as mass production and everyday objects, Warhol was able to blur the lines between fine art and popular culture.

In addition to the actual art works, The MAC is offering events, film screenings, and special “Andy Warhol experiences” all aimed at giving viewers a 360 degree view of all things Andy Warhol.

Tags: Andy Warhol, The MAC
Posted in Exhibitions | No Comments »

Rijksmuseum In Amsterdam Re-Opens after 10 Year Renovation

April 19th, 2013

The world famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opened on April 13^th after a decade long closure for renovations. The renovation gave way to a fully revamped museum experience, with each one of its 800 pieces in a new space—the only piece remaining in its original spot, literally and figuratively at the center of it all is Rembrandt’s epic “The Night Watch.” The new Rijksmuseum covers 8,000 years of Dutch history through its 800 pieces, complete with 80 viewing rooms and 1.5 kilometers of walking space.

The new Rijksmuseum is designed to attract 2 million visitors per year. Architects worked to keep in line with the building’s original design, all while making the museum increasingly modern. Works of differing mediums stand next to each other in fresh, synergistic displays that breath new air and light into the rooms and corridors.

The Rijksmusem sits upon a city park square, known as the “Museumplein” in Amsterdam, along with two other major cultural destinations, The Van Gogh Museum and the modern Stedelijk Museum. The Stedelijk re-opened after its own renovations late last year, and the Van Gogh museum is set to open with fresh renovations next month. The new additions make Amsterdam’s Museumplein one of the best places to see world class art, now in the most modern of settings.

Tags: rembrandt, Rijksmuseum, The Night Watch
Posted in Art News | No Comments »

“From Beckmann to Warhol: Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries” opens at Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin

April 17th, 2013

A comprehensive exhibit spanning two centuries and four major art movements, “From Beckmann to Warhol: Art of the 20^thand 21^st Centuries” opened at Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin. The exhibit contains 240 works from 89 artists, including names such as Picasso, Miro, Warhol, Chagall, and many more.

The exhibit is divided into four major art movements from the 20^th and 21^st centuries. The first movement, German Expressionism, is covered by works from the likes of Max Beckmann and Emil Nolde. Modernism of the École de Paris, the movement of Paris’ artistic golden age in the late 19^th and early 20^th century is characterized by pieces from Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, and others. The final two categories are post-war art, with works by Ernst Nay, and contemporary art from the 70’s to today, which contains pieces from David Hockney, Sam Francis, and others.

The exhibit is open in Berlin until June 9^th. For more information, visit the exhibition page on the Martin-Gropius-Bau website.

Tags: Martin-Gropius-Bau, Miro, Piscasso, Warhol
Posted in Exhibitions | No Comments »

French Film “Renoir” Brings the Impressionist Master to Life

April 15th, 2013

Famed father of impressionism, Pierre-Auguste Renoir is the subject of a new film, Renoir,chronicling the last years of the painter’s life. Set on the idyllic countryside of the French Riviera, the film focuses on the relationship between Renoir and his final muse and model, who would reinvigorate the artist as he put the finishing touches on a body of work that would define a movement.

Renoir starts on the aging artist in a serene landscape, but in a state of deep depression. His wife had just passed, both of his hands were gnarled and nearly stumped due to severe arthritis, and two of his sons were wounded at the front in World War I. Renoir’s final days were looking bleak, that is until his estate is visited by a young red head, DeeDee. In search of fame and fortune, DeeDee soon becomes Renoir’s last model. Her fiery personality breathes new life into Renoir and helps inspire the portraits that filled his final catalogue.

The film, directed by Gilles Bourdos can currently be seen at select theaters across the country.

Tags: renoir
Posted in Art News | No Comments »

Fernand Leger Painting Sold by Madonna to Benefit Women’s Education

April 12th, 2013

Pop star and cultural icon, Madonna has decided to sell a Fernand Leger painting she owns to benefit women’s education projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and several other countries. The painting, “Trois Femmes à la Table Rouge” (“Three Women at the Red Table) is expected to bring in upwards of 5 million dollars.

Madonna states she wants to “trade something valuable for something invaluable,” and help lend aid to countries where women’s education is virtually non-existent. She originally purchased the Leger painting in 1990 at Sotheby’s for 3.4 million. She said in a statement, “I have a great passion for art and a great passion for education. In conjunction with Sotheby’s, I would like to share these two passions.

Leger painted “Trois Femmes à la Table Rouge” in 1921 as part of a series depicting women with still life compositions.

Tags: Fernand Leger
Posted in Art News | No Comments »

Rare Monet Painting on Display at The Currier Museum in New Hampshire

April 10th, 2013

One of Monet’s earliest and most celebrated works, “Adolphe Monet in the Garden of Le Coteau at Sainte-Adresse” is now on view for a limited time at The Currier Museum in New Hampshire. The painting has been on display only once before, in Paris at a retrospective Monet exhibition, and is on display now in the US for the first time. With no future exhibits planned, this might the last and only chance to catch this timeless piece of art.

“Adolf Monet in the Garden” was painted in 1867 when Monet was just 27 years old. The subject of the work is Monet’s father, who is depicted reading a newspaper in the idyllic shade of a tree. The piece remained in the artist’s family until 2004.

Though the painting clearly shows the markings of impressionism, it was completed a full seven years before the term was coined by a French art critic. The expressive brushstrokes, vibrant color scheme, and attention to light and shadow mark the beginnings of what would become Monet’s signature art movement.

“Adolphe Monet in the Garden of Le Coteau at Sainte-Adresse” will be on display at The Currier Museum until July 2013.

Tags: Monet, The Currier
Posted in Art News | No Comments »