Tunga's Baroque Frictions at Jeu de Paume and Galerie Templon
Brazilian artist Tunga (Antonio José de Barros Carvalho e Mello Mourão, born 1952) showcased a dual exhibition at Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume from October 8 to November 28, 2001, and at Galerie Daniel Templon from October 20 to November 28, 2001, in Paris. Critic Paul Ardenne evaluates Tunga's creations, highlighting his distinctive plastic innovation during the Latin boom in New York around 1995. The exhibition includes drawings, films, live performances, and installations crafted from various materials, delving into themes of aberration and metamorphosis. Key pieces such as 'Lezart III' and 'Barrocos de lírios' are featured. Ardenne commends the mysterious nature of Tunga's art, which defies straightforward interpretation and promotes a speculative, fragmented narrative that confounds viewers.
Key facts
- Tunga's dual exhibition ran from October 8 to November 28, 2001 at Jeu de Paume and October 20 to November 28, 2001 at Galerie Daniel Templon.
- Tunga was born in 1952 as Antonio José de Barros Carvalho e Mello Mourão.
- The Latin boom in New York around 1995 propelled many 'exotic' artists, including Tunga.
- Tunga's work features drawings, films, live performers, and installations with materials like bronze, gelatin, glass, and string.
- The artist describes his method as 'mutual contagion.'
- Key works include 'Lezart III' (based on conjoined twin sisters) and 'Barrocos de lírios' (involving Cuban cigar smoke).
- Critic Paul Ardenne compares Tunga's work to a looped film of a car in a circular tunnel.
- Ardenne defends Tunga against accusations of anachronistic symbolism, citing his unique cultural references.
Entities
Artists
- Tunga
- Antonio José de Barros Carvalho e Mello Mourão
- Louise Bourgeois
- Nelson Aguilar
Institutions
- Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume
- Galerie Daniel Templon
- artpress
Locations
- Paris
- France
- New York
- La Habana
Sources
- artpress —