Brancusi Serra exhibition

Fondation Beyeler has for many years been my favourite exhibition space. Not only is the building jaw dropping in itself, but the management keep putting on one impressive and carefully selected exhibition after the other.

This summer's exhibition at Beyeler comprises of a retrospective comparison between Richard Serra's (*1939) and Constantin Brancusi's (1876-1957) work. The relation between the two artists began in 1964-65 when Serra regularly visited his predecessor's studio in Paris.









He had previously spent time working in the steel industry in order to financially manage his studies. The skill learnt so early on is clearly evident in his art work, where he cleverly uses the material and its influence on his audience. I was especially impressed by the sculpture Olson (1989), a piece simply created from two curved steel plates. Meanwhile it is an utterly minimal piece, it makes such a strong impression on the viewer. Viewing it from the outside, the sculpture seems to provide a sense of protection. However, as the viewer enters the sculpture, a feeling of claustrophobia is created.

Richard Serra's sculpture Olson

This kind of almost scientific creation is juxtaposed with Brancusi's warmer and more emotional work created in bronze, marble, wood and plaster. The differences are countless but it is interesting to see how the two artists also share certain traits.

Constantin Brancusi's sculpture Sleeping Muse

At first the exhibition seemed close to disappointing but as one follows through the rooms, the layout of the exhibition and the work presented is yet again so convincing and of such high qualities that one can only stand in awe.


Andrea.