Bernard Frize Retrospective at MARe Bucharest Challenges Painter's Role
In Bucharest, the Museum of Recent Art (MARe) is presenting a comprehensive retrospective of French painter Bernard Frize, featuring 45 years of his artwork from 1980 to today. The exhibition, curated by Gregory Lang with support from Elena Stanciu, will be on display from May 22 to August 16, 2026. Visitors will encounter black walls and lively music in the museum's foyer, which defies conventional exhibition standards. While the basement showcases photographs by Constantin Brâncuși, the upper three levels highlight Frize's pieces, including 'Amst3 Rouge' (1986) and 'Gael' (1993). His rule-based approach emphasizes process and chance, with works like 'Suite à Treize Nº1' and 'Nº2' (2007) illustrating his versatility and focus on paint's materiality.
Key facts
- Bernard Frize retrospective at MARe Bucharest covers 45 years of his painting, from 1980 to present.
- Exhibition runs from May 22 to August 16, 2026.
- Curated by Gregory Lang, assisted by Elena Stanciu.
- Museum foyer features black walls, dance music, and a draped Mercedes.
- Basement floor dedicated to photographs by Constantin Brâncuși.
- Works include 'Amst3 Rouge' (1986), 'Gael' (1993), 'Cinq vues dans un carré' (1992), 'Suite à Treize Nº1' and 'Nº2' (2007).
- Frize's practice is rule-based, leaving little room for subjectivity.
- Frize's approach is compared to Sol LeWitt and Roman Opalka, but emphasizes paint materiality.
- Installation photos by Alexandru Paul, courtesy of the artist and Galerie nächst St Stephan Rosemarie Schwarzwälder, Vienna.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Museum of Recent Art (MARe)
- Galerie nächst St Stephan Rosemarie Schwarzwälder
Locations
- Bucharest
- Romania