Eugène Frey's Proto-Cinematic Décors Lumineux at Nouveau Musée National de Monaco
In late June 2020, the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) reopened its exhibition titled 'Variations. I Décors lumineux di Eugène Frey' following the COVID-19 lockdown. Curated by Célia Bernasconi, the showcase highlights the works of Belgian artist Eugène Frey (1864–1942), who is celebrated for his 'décors lumineux à transformations,' which merge painting, photography, and cinematic elements. The exhibition, held at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo (1904-1938), includes over 300 pieces, such as drawings and photographs. Additionally, Portuguese artist João Maria Gusmão (1979) contributed a micro-cinema installation named 'Traveling without motion.' Running until August 30, 2020, at Villa Paloma, the exhibit explores light, shadow, and imagination, echoing themes from Ingmar Bergman's 'Fanny and Alexander.'
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Variations. I Décors lumineux di Eugène Frey' reopened in late June 2020 after lockdown.
- Curated by Célia Bernasconi at Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM).
- Eugène Frey (Brussels 1864 – Courbevoie 1942) created 'décors lumineux à transformations'.
- Frey developed his proto-cinematic system at Opéra de Monte-Carlo between 1904 and 1938.
- Over 300 works on paper and glass from NMNM collection are displayed.
- João Maria Gusmão (Lisbon, 1979) created installation 'Traveling without motion' with nine mechanized projections.
- Exhibition runs until August 30, 2020 at Villa Paloma.
- Frey's work is connected to Henri Rivière, Caran d'Ache, Emmanuel Cottier, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Georges Méliès, Alexandre Alexeieff, and Claire Parker.
Entities
Artists
- Eugène Frey
- João Maria Gusmão
- Célia Bernasconi
- Ingmar Bergman
- Henri Rivière
- Caran d'Ache
- Emmanuel Cottier
- Hans-Peter Feldmann
- Georges Méliès
- Alexandre Alexeieff
- Claire Parker
- August Strindberg
- Emilia Giorgi
Institutions
- Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)
- Opéra de Monte-Carlo
- Villa Paloma
- Artribune
- MiBACT
- MAXXI
Locations
- Monaco
- Principato di Monaco
- Bruxelles
- Courbevoie
- Lisbona
- Roma
- Villa Paloma