Mirrors of Midcentury French Culture

Exhibit Explores Public and Private Lives of French Modernist Artists                                        

MAURICE BRIANCHON & MARGUERITE LOUPPE:  MIRRORS OF MIDCENTURY FRENCH CULTURE

January 16 – March 9, 2018

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 25^th (5pm to 8pm)

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University presents “Maurice Brianchon and Marguerite Louppe:  Mirrors of Midcentury French Culture.”  The exhibition brings together the paintings of two French Modernists, a husband and wife team who were active in the art scene from the 1920’s through the 1970’s.  Brianchon was an influential and well-known French painter who worked until his death in 1979, while Louppe though under-recognized, was no less accomplished as a painter.  The paintings, prints, drawings and sketches in the exhibition offer a visual diary of the dialogue between the two artists: Brianchon, who was heavily influenced by the impressionists and post-impressionists, painted classic scenes of nudes, still lifes and ballet dancers, while Louppe explored the more modernist artistic trends of the day such as purism and cubism–but we know from the narrative of their son that the two discussed their art on a daily basis.  Complementing the rich offering of visual art is an equally fascinating collection of historical documents, illustrated books, and letters showing the wide network of artists and thinkers that circulated through their world.  The exhibition will investigate the period of the Second World War in particular, which saw the pair torn between a friend group that consisted of artists, composers, writers, ambassadors and musicians who were deeply affected by the Nazi occupation.

The exhibition is co-curated by David Hirsch, the great nephew of the artists, and William Corwin, a New York-based curator, sculptor, and writer.  The archival materials in the exhibition come from Mr. Hirsch’s private collection and these materials will allow for a multifaceted and intellectually rigorous approach to understanding the impact and cultural significance of Louppe and Brianchon’s respective oeuvres. Prints, drawings and photographs by friends and associates of Louppe/Brianchon, including Matisse and Dunoyer de Segonzac, will be featured, as well as correspondence from notable French creatives and intellectuals like Poulenc and Zadkine.  An illustrated catalogue with contributions by the curators and brief biographies of the artists will be available.

For 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student mind, heart, and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles by train, bus, or car to New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural, and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each other to better the world with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu/walshgallery  Seton Hall University is located at 400 S. Orange Avenue, South Orange, New Jersey, 07079. The Walsh Gallery is open 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday.