Georg Baselitz at T.Ropac in Pantin Paris
Georg Baselitz is a renowned German artist born on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Saxony. He is celebrated for his distinctive approach to painting, particularly his technique of inverting images, which he began in 1969. This method emphasizes the formal aspects of painting—such as color, brushwork, and composition—over recognizable subject matter, challenging viewers to engage more deeply with the artwork’s structure.
Influenced by German Expressionism, Art Brut, and African sculpture, Georg Baselitz developed a raw and emotive style that often depicted fragmented figures and distorted forms. His works frequently explore themes of identity, history, and the human condition, often through a lens of personal and collective trauma.
The exhibition “Ein Bein von Manet aus Paris” by Georg Baselitz is on view at Thaddaeus Ropac Paris Pantin until July 26, 2025
This exhibition showcases monumental paintings, intimate works on paper, and a bronze sculpture created by Baselitz over the past year. At 87 years old, the artist continues to explore themes of portraiture, focusing on himself and his wife, Elke. Notably, Baselitz employed a walking frame to navigate the canvases, allowing its wheels to leave marks in the paint, which became a central compositional element. The title of the exhibition, which translates to “A Leg by Manet from Paris,” humorously references Édouard Manet’s difficulty in painting legs and alludes to the artist’s own challenges with mobility .
A highlight of the exhibition is a new bronze sculpture that reflects Georg Baselitz’s exploration of form and movement. The piece draws inspiration from both Mannerist art and traditional Nigerian Mumuye sculptures, resulting in an elegant and dynamic work that complements the themes of the paintings.
For those interested in delving deeper into Georg Baselitz’s work, the exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue featuring a text by curator Bernard Blistène. Additionally, on Saturdays throughout May and June, the gallery will host a series of documentary films on artists represented by the gallery, providing further context and insight into the artistic community.
Georg Baselitz has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Praemium Imperiale for painting in 2004. His works are held in major collections worldwide, and retrospectives have been organized at institutions such as the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Despite his acclaim, Baselitz remains a provocative figure in the art world, known for his candid and often controversial statements.
Place/ T.Ropac in Pantin
ft/ Kate Zaniewska
