Portovenere is set to host a unique exhibition dedicated to Hélène de Beauvoir from 22 to 29 August 2024. Entitled “A Holiday Place: Hélène de Beauvoir in Liguria,” the exhibition at Sala Mantero will unveil a selection of the artist’s works that intricately capture her relationship with the Gulf of Poets.
Hélène de Beauvoir (1910-2001) was very close to the La Spezia area. She was the sister of the more famous Simone de Beauvoir, writer, philosopher and companion of Jean-Paul Sartre.
Hélène bought a house in Trebiano in the Magra Valley in 1963, thanks to the intermediation of Walter Tacchini, an eclectic artist deeply rooted in this territory.
The exhibition represents an important opportunity to rediscover the figure of this Parisian painter who left an indelible mark in the province of La Spezia.
Like many post-war intellectuals and artists, Hélène de Beauvoir also frequented the Gulf of Poets from the 1950s to the 1990s.
Her setting in Trebiano marked the beginning of an intense and innovative artistic period. It was here that she, in close contact with nature and the sea, created works of rare originality, many of which have never been exhibited, adding a unique chapter to our cultural history.
In Trebiano, the memories of Hélène de Beauvoir are still vivid. Many locals recall her deeply absorbed in painting her works, drawing inspiration from the enchanting landscape that surrounded her.
Born in 1910, Hélène had a very eventful career and was influenced by the cultural avant-garde of the time. As Annalisa Tacoli writes, Picasso admired her singular painting and appreciated her independence.
After 1970, she exhibited her work all over the world: Tokyo, Brussels, Lausanne, Rome, Milan, Amsterdam, Boston, Prague, Paris, and in 2017, after her death, also in Sarzana, with the exhibition “Tra Fiume e Mare.”
Walter Tacchini has played a crucial role in preserving the memory of Hélène de Beauvoir in the Gulf of Poets, safeguarding the artist’s works entrusted to him, which will be displayed in the Sala Mantero.
The exhibition showcases her art and also offers a biographical journey through the painter’s life and creative achievements.
Hélène de Beauvoir in her studios (photos from Galerie Hammer and cittadellaspezia.com)
Sources:
speziamirror.it
lanazione.it
Where can. I view her work?
Hi Kitty, unfortunately the exhibition in Liguria is no longer available at the moment. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kitty, there is an exhibition in Portovenere from 22 to 29 August 2024!