Homage to enigmatic sculptor Etienne-Martin in the Pompidou

Etienne-Martin, born in Loriol in 1913 is one of the key sculptors in French art. Member of the School of Fine Arts in Lyon, he arrived in Paris in 1934, and working in the Charles Ranson Malfray´s studio at the Academy, where he befriended painters like Roger Bissiere, Jean Le Moal, Jean Bertholle, Alfred Manessier, Zelman, Vera Pagava and sculptor François Stahly. Along with them formed the group “Témoignage” and make its first samples in the French capital.

In 1972, the famous curator Harald Szeemann made him one of the key artists of the selection “Mythologies individuelles (Individual Mythologies) which was exhibited in Documenta 5 in Kassel in the same year.

The exhibition which is now at the Pompidou, contains about fifteen major sculptures from the center´s collection, as well as a selection of drawings, diagrams, configurations, and dreams based on his house in Loriol. Martin recognized the fundamental base and context that his life gave him; such experiences were raw material for his work.

You can view a selection of archives belonging to the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, photographs of his legendary street workshop in Pot-de-Fer.

He is well known since the1960´s for his “Demeures” series, strange sculptures designed to be visited and explored “in imagination” by the viewer. His work is marked by quest to make his works a participative space.

One of his most famous works, “Manteau” (Wrap, 1962), is first fabric sculpture in the history of modern art to receive canonic recognition will be at the exhibit for the enjoyment of all who spend their vacations renting apartments in Paris.

The Pompidou Center also maintains other key works of the sculptor, like La Nuit ouvrante (1945-1955), Le Grand Couple (1946), the PASSEMENTERIE (1949), Le Manteau (1962), Le Mur-Miroir (1979), plus an important group of drawings representing his childhood home.

A recent donation came presents three new sculptures, including the surprising Dessin fil de fer, 1960, Le Mur-Verseau 1982-1983 and one of his latest works, L’Ancre (1995).

Etienne-Martin was a key figure in the world of Parisian art until his death in 1995. Pass by the Pompidou until September 13 to see the beauty produced by this mysterious man.