1. Gilles Aillaud, Les Oiseaux du lac Nakuru, 1990, Huile sur toile, 200,3 x 452 cm, © Jacques L'Hoir © ADAGP, Paris, 2023
Gilles Aillaud deconstruct our vision thought the lens of animals
The exhibition at the Centre Pompidou offers an insight into Gilles Aillaud's artistic evolution, particularly through his exploration of animal themes and environments. By showcasing Aillaud's paintings inspired by both zoos and his experiences in Africa, the exhibition highlights the artist's observation of the natural world and the interplay between colors, materials, and forms.
Through his meticulous attention to detail and technique, Aillaud captured the essence of zoo animals and the dynamic landscapes of the African savannah, imbuing his works with a sense of freedom that mirrors the mimicry of the creatures themselves.
Aillaud's realism and iconography remain as relevant and resonant as ever, making the exhibition a timely and indispensable exploration of his enduring artistic legacy.
2. Gilles Aillaud, Panthères, 1977, Huile sur toile, 250 x 200 cm, Centre national des arts plastiques, FNAC32997, Dépôt au Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris le 06/05/1996, © ADAGP, Paris, 2023/Cnap/Photo : Galerie Karl Flinker
Aillaud's life
Gilles Aillaud was a distinguished French painter, which was born in 1928 in the city of Paris.
From his earliest years, Aillaud had a profound interest towards arts, demonstrating a talent for both painting and drawing. Despite his affinity for artistic expression, Aillaud initially embarked on a scholarly path, delving into the path of philosophy during his formative years.
At the age of 18, Aillaud's passion for painting started again, leading him to pivot from philosophy to pursue his artistic career. In 1949, he made the transition to dedicate himself to the craft of painting, marking the commencement of his artistic journey.
In the 1950s, Aillaud's artistic repertoire changed, with a particular focus on depicting birds and seascapes that echoed the tranquility and majesty of nature. In 1952, he debuted his inaugural solo exhibition, laying the foundation for a prolific career that would unfold over decades.
Aillaud chose to cultivate his artistry in solitude for many years, channeling his introspection and creativity into his works. In 1962, he found companionship and loved in Camille Couturier, whom he married, and together they welcomed two children into their lives: Marie in 1965, followed by Arthur in 1973.
In 1964, Aillaud's involvement with the Committee of the Salon de la Jeune Peinture marked a pivotal juncture in his career, culminating his ascension to the presidency of the esteemed organization a year later.
Personal choices of thee works
3. (Left) Gilles Aillaud, Mangouste, nuit rouge, 1976, Huile sur toile, 97 x 146 cm, Collection BY ART MATTERS, Chine, courtesy galerie Loevenbruck, Paris, © ADAGP, Paris, 2023, Photo : Fabrice Gousset, courtesy Loevenbruck, Paris
4. (Right) Gilles Aillaud, Girafes, 1989, Huile sur toile, 260 x 200 cm, Collection particulière, © ADAGP, Paris, 2023, Photo © Archives Galerie de France, DR
Gilles Aillaud's artistic repertoire encompasses a diverse array of themes and emotions, from the vibrant vitality of African wildlife to the solitude of creatures in captivity. Through his deliberate use of perspective, framing, and a cold palette, Aillaud maintains an emotional distance, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human-animal relationships.
In "The Birds of Lake Nakuru" (1990), Aillaud transports us to the majestic landscapes of Kenya's Lake Nakuru National Park, where pink flamingos congregate in staggering numbers along the shores. Despite the dynamic and colorful depiction of the spectacle, the artist's restrained palette and meticulous perspective serve to temper any sentimental impulses, underscoring his ongoing exploration of the nuanced interplay between nature and humanity.
Contrasting with his earlier representations of animals in captivity, "Giraffes" offers a glimpse into a harmonious symbiosis between creatures and their environment. Here, Aillaud captures the moment when giraffes blend seamlessly into their natural habitat, evoking a sense of reconciliation and serenity. Inspired by his sojourn in Africa, Aillaud's liberated brushstrokes echo the artistic finesse of Édouard Manet, infusing the canvas with a profound authenticity and vitality.
"Mangouste, nuit rouge" (1976) delves into the nocturnal realm of the mongoose, a creature enshrouded in the enigmatic veil of darkness. Aillaud's meticulous rendering and evocative title hint at a narrative imbued with intensity and mystery, suggesting the existential struggles faced by animals in captivity. Through his masterful composition, the artist invites viewers to confront the complexities of confinement and alienation, prompting contemplation on the delicate balance between freedom and constraint in the natural world.
In each of these works, Gilles Aillaud invites us to journey beyond the confines of the canvas, to explore the intricate tapestry of existence woven between humans and animals. Through his discerning eye and unwavering commitment to artistic expression, Aillaud's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the depths of the human experience.
Informations about the exhibition
Place: Centre Pompidou (Paris)
Date: 4.10.2023 – 26.2.2024
Curators: Didier Ottinger
Ticket: Available at the front desk of the museum and online
Informations about the Centre Pompidou (Paris)
Place Georges-Pompidou
75 004 Paris