Corkin Gallery proudly presents “Jean Paul Riopelle: Visual Exploration,” debuting on Saturday, April 20, 2024. This comprehensive exhibition offers a profound insight into the enduring legacy of the esteemed abstract master, Jean Paul Riopelle, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. Delving deep into Riopelle’s experimentation with gesture, form, and chromatic perception, the showcase features acclaimed paintings from the 1940s to the 1960s alongside a remarkable selection of works on paper spanning from the late 1940s to the 1990s.
Jean Paul Riopelle, Composition, 1949. Photo – courtesy of CNW Group/Corkin Gallery ©
The exhibition brings together seminal works from Riopelle’s early career, many of which were initially showcased in France or America and sourced from private collections. It begins with the striking “Abstraction #72” from 1945, a Fauvist-inspired seascape revealing Riopelle’s early foray into abstraction. The narrative unfolds to include a series of vibrant ink and watercolour pieces from 1947 to 1948, influenced by Surrealism. These works feature a colourful backdrop accentuated by bold ink applications, forming a captivating network of coloured spots interconnected by lines—a style that garnered attention at the sixth International Exhibition of Surrealism in Paris in 1947.
Highlighting Riopelle’s innovative techniques, “Composition” from 1949 showcases vibrant filaments streaking across its surface, reminiscent of the famed drip paintings of Jackson Pollock yet retaining a connection to traditional easel painting.
In the 1950s, Riopelle embarked on a new artistic journey, exploring the interplay between colour and form through his mosaic technique. This evolution is exemplified in “Couleur” from 1955, a seminal work that debuted at the Pierre Matisse Gallery in New York.
From the late 1960s onward, Riopelle drew inspiration from the wilderness of Quebec, particularly his profound connection with nocturnal birds and snow geese. This affinity is beautifully depicted in “Sans Titre” from 1968, where these motifs become recurring themes in his later works.
Celebrated as one of the leading figures in postwar abstract art, Riopelle’s international acclaim culminated in numerous accolades and exhibitions, including prestigious showings at the Venice Biennale, recognition at the Guggenheim International Award, and a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada. His works adorn public collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Canada, Tate London, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
Looking toward the future, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec has commissioned Montreal-based architecture firm Les Architectes FABG to design Espace Riopelle, a terraced pavilion dedicated to Jean Paul Riopelle, set to open in late 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will house the largest public collection of Riopelle’s works in the world, ensuring his profound artistic legacy endures for generations to come.
