Aman Venice is honoured to be partnering with Christie’s to showcase the work of Spanish artist Antoni Tàpies (1923-2012). The timely exhibition highlights four works of his art throughout the property during the 58th Art Biennale.
Born in 1923 in Barcelona, Spain, Tàpies originally studied law while pursuing art. Artist and fellow Catalan Joan Miró was an integral influence on his early surrealist work. He was later part of a post second world war generation of artists who broke visual rules and lay the foundations for a new era. His mixed-media paintings incorporated resin, marble dust and found objects; highly tactile and textured, they reflected Spain’s post-war state. ‘Blau amb doble oval’, part of this vernissage, is an iconic example of his unique style. Later, as part of the ‘Art Informel’, his work became more abstract and nuanced, as seen in the work ‘Tela lligada’ on display at Aman Venice.
Tàpies’ body of work reflects the theme of the 58th International Art Exhibition, titled ‘May You Live In Interesting Times’, and which will take place from 11 May to 24 November. The title evokes an English invention, long mistakenly cited as an ancient Chinese curse that invoked periods of uncertainty, crisis and turmoil. Exactly the times we live in today and something reflected in the materiality of Tàpies’ work.
“If one draws things in a manner which provides only the barest clue to their meaning, the viewer is forced to fill in the gaps by using his own imagination,” Tàpies reflected. “He is compelled to participate in the creative act, which I consider very important.”
The exhibition is on view at Aman Venice from 6th May to 12th May, 2019
ABOUT CHRISTIE’S
Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in 2018 that totalled £5.3 billion / $7 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
ABOUT AMAN
Aman was founded in 1988 with the vision of building a collection of intimate retreats with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private home. The first, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept, and since then, Aman has grown to encompass 34* exquisitely serene hotels and resorts in 21 destinations across the world. The introduction of Aman Skincare in 2018 continued the holistic journey beyond the perimeters of Aman’s havens. Offering a soothing journey to a place of beautifully scented repose and respite, Aman Skincare represents the spirit of Aman in a bottle. Cementing Aman’s commitment to providing guests with insightful and unique cultural experiences, Atma, launched in 2019, curates one-off events that are inspired by Aman destinations and designed to connect mind, body and spirit.
ANTONI TAPIES BIOGRAPHY
Born in Barcelona in 1923, Tàpies grew up in an environment where he was very much exposed to the cultural and social experiences of leaders in Catalan public life. At 17, he suffered a near-fatal heart attack caused by tuberculosis and spent two years convalescing in the mountains, pursuing an interest in art. Later, following in his Father’s footsteps, he studied law for 3 years, but then, from 1943 onwards, devoted himself only to painting. He became known as one of Spain’s most renowned artists in the second half of the 20th century, with his abstract and avant-garde works displayed in major museums all over the world.
