Martial Raysse's Recent Drawings at Galerie AB
Galerie AB in Paris presents a selection of recent drawings by French artist Martial Raysse, from May 28 to June 20, 2026. Once a leading figure of Nouveau Réalisme in the 1960s alongside Yves Klein, Jean Tinguely, and Niki de Saint Phalle, Raysse abruptly left the art scene in 1973 to retreat to the countryside and dedicate himself to drawing in the manner of Old Masters. Now 90, he works in pastel, oil, and charcoal. The exhibition includes major pieces such as 'Modello pour la peur,' featuring burlesque figures bent under invisible oppression, and 'Lucien en Bacchus,' which merges classical aesthetics with contemporary portraiture. Raysse considers drawing not a preparatory step but the primary architecture of art, with color coming later. He describes the line as 'something that cuts into the flesh, something very violent.' The gallery is located at 5 rue Jacques Callot, 75006, open Monday to Saturday 10:30-19:00, free entry.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs from May 28 to June 20, 2026 at Galerie AB in Paris.
- Martial Raysse was a key figure of Nouveau Réalisme in the 1960s.
- He left the art scene in 1973 to learn drawing from Old Masters.
- Raysse works in pastel, oil, and charcoal at age 90.
- Major works include 'Modello pour la peur' and 'Lucien en Bacchus'.
- Raysse views drawing as the primary architecture of art.
- He describes the line as 'something very violent'.
- Galerie AB is run by Agnès Aittouares.
Entities
Artists
- Martial Raysse
- Yves Klein
- Jean Tinguely
- Niki de Saint Phalle
- Piero della Francesca
- Giuseppe Maria Crespi
Institutions
- Galerie AB
- Agnès Aittouares
Locations
- Paris
- France