Fondation Hartung-Bergman Opens to Public in Antibes

The Fondation Hartung-Bergman, former villa-studio of artists Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman in Antibes, opened to the public on May 11, 2022, after two years of construction. The foundation, established in 1994 after the artists' deaths, now features an exhibition program and research center dedicated to their work. The inaugural exhibition, 'Les Archives de la création,' runs until September 30, 2022, showcasing emblematic works from the foundation's collection, including Hartung's first abstract painting acquired in June 2021. Art historian Thomas Schlesser, director since 2014, spearheaded the opening to increase visibility for Bergman, whom he calls 'an immense artist' unjustly omitted from major surveys like Centre Pompidou's 'Elles font l'abstraction.' The foundation also includes a research center with a biennial program; the first theme (2022-23) is 'Sciences et Abstractions.' Schlesser noted challenges overcoming prejudices against Hartung's work, which fell out of favor between 1990 and 2010, and highlighted the role of Galerie Perrotin, representing Hartung's estate since 2017, in reviving interest. A major Bergman exhibition is planned for spring 2023 at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris. The site, designed by Hartung in 1972, features two separate studios and a landscape of ancient olive trees.