André Brasilier, 60 ans de peinture

Opera Gallery Paris

20 March - 16 April 2025

Opera Gallery is proud to present 'André Brasilier, 60 ans de peinture,' a landmark exhibition celebrating the artistic journey of one of France’s most revered painters. Running from 20 March to 16 April, 2025, this retrospective offers an in-depth exploration of André Brasilier’s œuvre, from his early masterpiece Le Cadre noir (circa 1963) to his more recent works such as Soir sur le rivage (2024) and Les Naïades (2025).

This exhibition brings together over 40 paintings, showcasing Brasilier’s mastery of colour, poetic composition, and his pursuit of simplicity. "The search for simplicity drives me. Quite simply, because I believe that it is simplicity that moves me," the artist once remarked. His ability to transcend realism while preserving the essence of his subjects has defined his work over the past six decades. Brasilier’s paintings transport viewers into an ethereal world, where his signature themes—horses, music, the female figure, and nature—converge harmoniously.

Horses: A Lifelong Passion

Born in Saumur, home of the prestigious Cadre Noir equestrian school, Brasilier has maintained a lifelong fascination with horses. Their graceful forms and untamed energy embody nature’s freedom, beauty, and dynamism. His swift, fluid brushstrokes animate them on canvas, capturing both their elegance and spirit.

Chantal: Muse and Eternal Inspiration

For over 65 years, Brasilier’s wife, Chantal, has been at the heart of his work. Her presence in his paintings is a testament to their profound connection. His portraits of her do not seek to replicate reality but rather exalt femininity and the passage of time, reflecting an intimate and timeless bond.

Music: The Rhythm of Painting

Brasilier’s deep appreciation for music, which was the subject of his first exhibition in 1959 at the Drouet gallery in Paris, is a recurring motif in his art. "Everything is beautiful in music, whether it is the discipline of the orchestra or the harmony of a quartet," he explains. His paintings of musicians and orchestras transform sound into vibrant colour and movement.

Nature: A Dreamlike Vision

Brasilier’s landscapes are infused with a poetic sensibility, often bathed in soft pastels and earthy tones, punctuated by striking electric blues and vivid magentas. His dreamlike depictions of fields, forests, and seascapes evoke serenity and harmony, emphasising humanity’s place within nature’s vastness.

A Timeless Artistic Legacy

Brasilier’s work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to modern figurative painting. Inspired by the likes of Pierre Bonnard, Paul Gauguin, and Nicolas de Staël, he has developed a distinctive style that merges the real and the imaginary. His bold use of colour, refined compositions, and lyrical approach create a visual symphony that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

As we celebrate Brasilier’s 95th birthday, this exhibition is both a tribute to his extraordinary career and an invitation to immerse oneself in his world. We warmly invite you to experience the poetic universe of André Brasilier, where art transcends time and touches the soul.