Balthus Retrospective at Fondation Beyeler Explores Altermodernity

The Fondation Beyeler in Riehen/Basel presents a retrospective of Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski), featuring 40 works covering all creative phases. Born in Paris on February 29, 1908, Balthus was influenced by early Italian Renaissance painters like Piero della Francesca and Masaccio, studied in Tuscany in 1926, and served as director of the French Academy in Rome from 1961 to the mid-1970s. He met Setsuko Ideta on a diplomatic trip to Japan, marrying her in 1967; she modeled for 'La Chambre turque' (1965-66). The exhibition highlights Balthus's altermodernity, a term associated with Nicolas Bourriaud, and his connection to the uncanny (Unheimlich). Notable works include 'Les Enfants Blanchard' (1937), 'Le Roi des chats' (1935), and 'La Partie de cartes' (1948-50). The show addresses themes of female figures, eroticism, and voyeurism, with catalog essays by Beate Söntgen and Michiko Kono. Curated by Raphaël Bouvier and Michiko Kono, the exhibition runs until January 1, 2019, and will travel to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid in early 2019 in a modified version.