Toyen Retrospective at Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris Explores Gender Fluidity and Surrealism
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris showcases 'Toyen, l'écart absolu,' a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Czech surrealist artist Toyen (Marie Čermínová, 1902–1980). This retrospective, curated by Annie Le Brun, Annabelle Görgen-Lammers, and Anna Pravdová in partnership with the National Gallery in Prague and Hamburger Kunsthalle, includes more than 300 pieces, such as paintings, drawings, and previously unpublished materials. A trailblazer for gender fluidity, Toyen co-established the Surrealist movement in Czechoslovakia alongside Jindřich Štyrský and relocated to Paris in 1948. The exhibition explores her artistic journey from her early creations to her surrealist works, featuring notable series like 'Cache-toi, Guerre!' (1939–1946) and 'The Shooting Gallery' (1939–40). It is open until July 24, 2022.
Key facts
- Toyen (Marie Čermínová) was a Czech surrealist artist born in Prague in 1902 and died in Paris in 1980.
- The exhibition 'Toyen, l’écart absolu' is held at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris until July 24, 2022.
- The show is curated by Annie Le Brun, Annabelle Görgen-Lammers, and Anna Pravdová.
- It includes over 300 works: paintings, drawings, collages, illustrations, prints, and unpublished documents.
- Toyen co-founded Surrealism in Czechoslovakia with Jindřich Štyrský.
- She adopted the pseudonym Toyen from the French 'citoyen' meaning citizen.
- Toyen was a pioneer of gender fluidity, often wearing men's clothing.
- The exhibition covers her Artificialism period, surrealist metamorphoses, and war series like 'Cache-toi, Guerre!'.
- Her work features eroticism, dreamlike imagery, and innovative techniques such as dripping and spraying paint.
- The portfolio 'The Shooting Gallery' (1939-40) was included in the Venice Biennale's 'The Witch's Cradle' section.
Entities
Artists
- Toyen
- Marie Čermínová
- Jindřich Štyrský
- Paul Éluard
- André Breton
- Annie Le Brun
- Annabelle Görgen-Lammers
- Anna Pravdová
Institutions
- Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
- National Gallery in Prague
- Hamburger Kunsthalle
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- Paris
- France