DUMONTEIL Shanghai is honored to present “Mysticisme et poésie des Formes (Mysticism and Poetry of Forms)", a duo exhibition featuring works by Étienne-Martin and Robert Couturier, two pivotal figures in 20th-century sculpture. This marks the first time that both artists' works are being exhibited in China. Spanning the middle to the latter stages of their careers, the twenty sculptures on display demonstrate how these artists combined their exploration of morphological aesthetics with philosophical reflections, becoming essential contributors to the development of modern sculpture.

Although the careers of Étienne-Martin (1913-1995) and Robert Couturier (1905-2008) coincided with movements like Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Neorealism, and Minimalism, both artists maintained their independence, resolutely pursuing their own directions amidst these waves of change. The works in this exhibition, created during the major development phases of their careers (1940s to 1960s) and the latter part of their creative life, aim to restore the richness and diversity of these artists, qualities often overshadowed by their own reputations.

Étienne-Martin, one of the most important French sculptors of the 20th century, was known for his abstraction, expressionism, and experimentation. “My sculptures are not meant to be inhabited but to allow the imagination to reside, ” he said, a self-description that resonates deeply with his most recognized series, “Demeure” (Dwelling). This series poetically reconstructs his childhood home and serves as a figurative means to explore the connection between memory, space, and time.

Étienne-Martin often employed architectural structures to visualize thoughts and ideas. In “Demeure-Mirror” (also known as “Medal”, 1959), a double-sided disc sculpture, he uses the wall as a symbol of isolation. “If we can glimpse the other side of the wall, we gain access to a wider world and thus transcend subjectivity and contradiction. Behind this wall, great adventures unfold—not by denying it or going around it, but by crossing it from time to time. ” This spirit of exploration is central to his creative philosophy. The exhibition also features two works related to his large-scale public sculpture “Demeure X” (1968, now in Parc de Bercy, Paris), showcasing his multidimensional exploration of form and structure.

In addition to his complex spiritual quest, Étienne-Martin’s originality in form and expression is what has inspired many artists. Georges Mathieu, the founder of Lyrical Abstraction, wrote in 1989: “The work of Étienne-Martin, perhaps the greatest surviving French sculptor, embodies two characteristics often associated with masterpieces: timelessness and universality. ” His forms, such as the imposing “Beak”, the towering “Hand”, “Nutcracker” that stands like strong legs, and “Little Skylight” that extends like a spine, seem to originate from creation itself, with a cosmic character that reflects the mystery of life and the origins of the world.

In contrast, Robert Couturier’s work focuses on the play between fullness and emptiness of materials through the poetic transformation of forms. While sharing a contemporaneous period with figures like Giacometti and Germaine Richier, his work carries a distinct approach. While their works are often defined by gloom and pathos, Couturier’s sculptures, though tragic, frequently possess a touch of humor. His works also focus on balance and rhythm, with the spaces between figures and objects playing an integral role. For instance, in “Woman Holding a Jug (Danaïdes)”, the flow of water becomes a fulcrum that supports the woman's bent-knee, forward-leaning posture, creating a sense of fluidity and movement.

Couturier once remarked, “My greatest joy is to evoke as much humanity as possible through the simplest materials and means.” This minimalist approach is evident in his later works, particularly in his suggestion-driven lamelliform sculptures, which depict the human form through delicate, curved surfaces and silhouetted outlines. Female figures, such as “Back of a Blonde”, “Draped Torso”, and “Domino”, dominate this period, delicately expressed through subtle variations of concavity and convexity. His minimalist gesture invites viewers to interpret freely, allowing the contours and undulations of the works to be fully realized in their gaze.

This exhibition reveals how Étienne-Martin and Robert Couturier transformed sculpture into a poetic and philosophical form of artistic expression, highlighting their significant contributions to modern sculpture. Since its founding, Dumonteil has been dedicated to rediscovering the artistic heritage of the twentieth century, particularly in French sculpture, for which it is renowned. As the global representative of the Étienne-Martin estate and through a close collaboration with the Robert Couturier estate, Dumonteil revisits the creative spirit of these masters. This ongoing dialogue between past and present highlights the enduring power of sculpture, allowing us to engage with the timeless essence of this art form.