60 Years of the Maeght Foundation

The Maeght Foundation is France’s first modern and contemporary art foundation. Located in Saint-Paul de Vence, the foundation was established by art dealers, publishers, and printers Marguerite and Aimé Maeght in 1964. It was inaugurated by André Malraux and has since been an art destination recognized around the world. The couple were inspired by a trip to the United States in the 1950s, when they encountered important foundation such as the Barnes, Guggenheim and Philips. Mourning the loss of their second child, they decided to return to France and set up an institution that would become their passion and their life, promoting and supporting artists of their time.

To celebrate their 60-years, a special exhibition, “Bonnard-Matisse, a friendship” will be on view throughout the summer. The exhibition looks at the friendly and respectful relationship between these two groundbreaking artists, both of whom had very close personal and professional relationships with the Maeghts, and who supported their vision from the beginning. Focusing on themes like self-portraits, the street, the light of the south of France, the painter and the model, the exhibition will feature a selection of rare works and archival materials in addition to important paintings and works on paper loaned by various museums. Marie-Thérèse Pulvenis de Seligny, curator of the exhibition, notes that Bonnard and Matisse began their friendship early, sharing a love of the south of France and their individual use of light in their work, and they continued that friendship in connection with the Maeghts. She writes: “These encounters took place in an atmosphere of intimacy between artists and friends. This exhibition aims to retrace the circumstances in which these destinies intertwined and how what seemed impossible became possible. Aimé Maeght’s personality, his professional qualities as a printer and gallery owner, fostered a relationship with Pierre Bonnard that developed into a great friendship. In this exhibition, we have tried to convey the circumstances, the bonds, and the admiration that united Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, and Aimé Maeght, bonds that are still present within the ‘‘Maeght universe’’.

In addition to this special exhibition, the Foundation opens four new exhibition rooms dedicated to the permanent collection. Redesigned by Silvia d’Ascia, respecting the original structure designed by Josep Lluís Sert, the extension is located beneath the Giacometti and Miró Courtyards. Two of the rooms have beautiful views over the surrounding valley and will be available not only for exhibitions but public events as well. In its 60 years, the Foundation Maeght has presented over 150 exhibitions by leading artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. At the core of the foundation’s mission is the connection between art and life, mixing visual art and dance, music and theatre, opening up their grounds for picnics and gatherings. ‘‘At 60 years old, the Foundation has never been so young; it is part of the history of art. Its collections continue to be enriched by new donations. My family is proud of this success and will always be committed to respecting the vision it had in 1964”, writes Adrien Maeght.

“Bonnard-Matisse, a friendship” is on view through October 6th, 2024. Visit the website to discover the entire program of events.

www.fondation-maeght.com

@fondationmaeght