Bernar Venet: A Retrospective of Rational to Virtual Art at the Riga Museum
“I am obsessed with the idea of promoting the evolution of art. And that is the only reason I do art at all,” says Riga Museum Riga Stock Exchange.
Venet, often referred to as “the man-orchestra,” has spent over six decades exploring a wide range of artistic genres, all interconnected by his relentless pursuit of innovation. “Know why I’ve survived? Because I work nine days a week, twenty-eight hours a day,” he quips during an interview at the museum.
At 83, Venet’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. His works often incorporate mathematics, which he describes as “the highest possible level of abstraction in art.” “Mathematics is at the center of all my retrospective,” he explains. “People always ask: Bernar, why are you using math in your work? Isn’t you a mathematician? No, I’m not just a mathematician; you can use mathematics, just like Mr. Monet used trees and flowers. It’s free and poetic, through it you express yourself…in mathematics you don’t say yourself, you’re rational.”
Venet’s monumental steel sculptures, frequently enough covered in dark-brown rust, are among his most recognizable works. One of his most iconic pieces, Arc Majeur (The Great Arc), stands 60 meters high and weighs 250 tons, arching over a highway in Belgium. Last year, he unveiled a sculpture dedicated to the Olympic torch in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles, the only public artwork created for the Paris olympics in France.
Despite his acclaim as a sculptor, Venet doesn’t consider himself one. His artistic beliefs revolves around constantly expanding the boundaries of art and finding new ways to express ideas. Over the years, he has created paintings, sculptures, music, poetry, and even staged ballet performances—all in pursuit of innovation.
The retrospective at the Riga Museum Riga Stock Exchange offers a comprehensive look at Venet’s career, from his early experiments with cardboard and spray paint in the 1960s to his latest explorations of virtual art.
| Key Highlights of Bernar Venet’s retrospective |
|—————————————————-|
| Exhibition title: Painting: From Rational to Virtual. 1966-2024 |
| Location: Riga Museum Riga Stock Exchange |
| Duration: January 25 – April 27,2025 |
| Notable Works: Arc Majeur,olympic torch sculpture |
| Artistic Focus: Mathematics,abstraction,innovation |
venet’s work is a reminder that art is not confined to a single medium or discipline. As he puts it, “The basic principle of my activities is the constant extension of borders in the art of looking for new ways to do what no one has done yet.”
For those eager to explore the evolution of contemporary art,Venet’s retrospective is a must-see.Visit the Riga Museum Riga Stock exchange to witness the journey of an artist who has redefined the boundaries of creativity.
Exploring Innovation: A Conversation on Bernar Venet’s Retrospective in Riga
The Riga Museum Riga Stock Exchange is currently hosting a groundbreaking retrospective of Bernar Venet, titled Painting: From Rational to Virtual. 1966-2024.This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Venet’s six-decade-long career,showcasing his journey from early experiments with cardboard and spray paint to his latest ventures into virtual art. To delve deeper into the significance of this retrospective, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Reynolds, sat down with Dr. Elena Grigoryan, an art historian and expert on contemporary art, to discuss Venet’s innovative approach and the themes explored in the exhibition.
The Evolution of Venet’s Artistic Vision
Sarah Reynolds: Dr. Grigoryan, Bernar Venet is often described as a pioneer in contemporary art. how would you summarize the evolution of his artistic vision over the years?
Dr. Elena Grigoryan: Venet’s career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation. He began in the 1960s with experimental works using everyday materials like cardboard and spray paint, which where radical for their time. Over the decades, he has explored diverse mediums—painting, sculpture, music, poetry, and even ballet performances. His work is unified by a desire to push boundaries and redefine what art can be. Mathematics,in particular,has been a central theme,allowing him to explore abstraction in unique ways.
Mathematics as a Central Theme
Sarah Reynolds: Venet frequently enough incorporates mathematics into his work. How does this influence his artistic expression?
dr. Elena Grigoryan: mathematics provides Venet with a framework for abstraction. Unlike conventional subjects like landscapes or portraits, mathematics is inherently rational and worldwide. Venet uses it to create works that are both precise and poetic. As he once said, mathematics is “the highest possible level of abstraction in art.” This approach allows him to explore concepts like randomness,order,and complexity in ways that are visually striking and intellectually engaging.
Iconic Works and Public Art
Sarah Reynolds: Venet’s Arc Majeur and his Olympic torch sculpture are among his most famous works. What makes these pieces so significant?
Dr. Elena Grigoryan: These works exemplify Venet’s ability to create art that resonates on a grand scale. Arc Majeur, for instance, is a 60-meter-high steel arc that gracefully spans a highway in Belgium. It’s not just a sculpture; it’s an architectural marvel that interacts with its habitat. Similarly, the Olympic torch sculpture in sarcelles is a symbol of unity and innovation, created for one of the world’s most prestigious events. These pieces highlight Venet’s skill in merging art with public spaces and global themes.
Redefining Artistic Boundaries
Sarah Reynolds: Despite his acclaim as a sculptor, Venet doesn’t consider himself one.How does this outlook shape his work?
Dr.Elena grigoryan: Venet’s refusal to be confined to a single label is central to his beliefs. He sees himself as an artist who uses various mediums to explore ideas, rather than as a sculptor or painter. This mindset allows him to constantly innovate and experiment. Whether he’s creating a virtual art installation or staging a ballet performance, his goal is always to push the boundaries of what art can achieve. As he once put it, “The basic principle of my activities is the constant extension of borders in the art of looking for new ways to do what no one has done yet.”
Conclusion: A Must-See Retrospective
Sarah Reynolds: For those planning to visit the retrospective, what should they expect?
Dr. Elena Grigoryan: Visitors can expect a journey thru Venet’s evolution as an artist, from his early experimental works to his latest forays into virtual art. The exhibition is a party of innovation, abstraction, and the relentless pursuit of new ideas. it’s a reminder that art is not confined to a single medium or discipline but is a dynamic, ever-evolving field. For anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art, this retrospective is an absolute must-see.
