Claude Viallat "Assemblage" Solo Exhibition

The most striking feature of this solo exhibition is his signature Assemblage series, in various sizes (2008). Claude Viallat's solo exhibition was on view at Daniel Templon Gallery from January 10 to February 21. Born in 1936, Claude Viallat is one of the most representative artists of French Supports/Surfaces and can be seen as a leader of this movement. Deeply influenced by Matisse and American formalist painting, he questions the object of painting; for him, painting itself is the only theme. Viallat stated, "Painting is an eternal subject, just like the seasons." He continues to explore his iconic "pea-like" formal style, recently returning to an emotional shift in art history with a tribute series to Impressionist master Monet. Using metaphorical techniques, he incorporates Monet's portraits and painting themes into his rhythmic forms, much like existing graphics and linguistic symbols on printed fabric.

Another series pays tribute to his Supports/Surfaces colleague Jean-Pierre Pincemin (who passed away recently), sampling Pincemin's iconic colors such as brick red, emerald green, and azure blue. These colors become the soul of the paintings, offering a highly emotional tribute to his late friend's spirit. The most eye-catching part of this exhibition is Viallat's skilled Assemblage series, which ingeniously combines carpets, tents, parasols, patterned fabrics, and canvas through collage. In diverse irregular forms, it displays vibrant colors and sensibility. The artist said, "What matters is the mutual effect of colors above and below each other, like an intuitive and non-necessary, unplanned method, I can completely organize the tension and intensity of the picture."