The highly anticipated Amsterdam Art Week has officially started. Among the exhibitions taking place, the third exhibition at m.simons has been curated by Nazif Lopulissa. Lopulissa has curated a showcase, featuring the works of Trudy Benson and Claude Viallat, alongside his own painting, presenting a testament to the breadth of his artistic vision.
Claude Viallat, a prominent artist whose artistic journey spans back to the 1960s, played a vital role in the resurgence of painting as a dominant medium in the international art scene. Together with artists such as Buren, Dezeuze, and Cane, and during the rise of the philosophical movement of post-structuralism, Viallat reimagined the possibilities of painting. The current exhibition proudly displays a painting from 1981, measuring over 2.5 meters in width. Viallat ingeniously utilizes a section of an old army tent as a canvas, where he applies his distinctive motif in various captivating color schemes. This artwork exemplifies Viallat's ongoing dedication to challenging preconceptions surrounding medium, decor, and structure, a commitment that has persisted from the 1960s to the present day.
Trudy Benson, known for her innovative exploration of layers and their interplay, shows an artwork from 2015. Benson's artistic process involves employing diverse types of paint and application techniques, resulting in textured and multi-dimensional visual experiences. Her work showcases the influence of digital technology, mid-century abstraction, and neo-geo elements, adding a contemporary twist and creating a truly unique and captivating aesthetic. Scale also plays a significant role in Benson's artistry, as she primarily works on larger canvases, aiming to engage viewers from various distances. This approach allows them to appreciate the legibility of her work from afar while immersing themselves in the intricate details up close. Through her paintings, Trudy Benson invites viewers to explore the intricate interplay of layers, process, and the materiality of the artwork.
Nazif Lopulissa, the curator of the exhibition, presents a mesmerizing artwork of his own creation on the left wall. Entitled "A Story" (2022), the piece played a pivotal role in Lopulissa being awarded the prestigious Wolvecamp Prize for painting in 2022. Spanning nearly 3 meters in height and 4 meters in width, this artwork beautifully encapsulates Lopulissa's artistic practice throughout the past year. The creation process involves layering steps, beginning with a collage of diverse painted forms on a large sheet of light brown canvas. Once satisfied with the composition, Lopulissa meticulously cuts the collage into 2cm-wide strips, which he then weaves together with blank grey linen, resulting in a visually stunning artwork.
The exhibition as a whole pays homage to the extraordinary talents of both Trudy Benson and Claude Viallat. Benson's exploration of dry layering, reminiscent of digital illustration programs, leads to meticulously constructed compositions. Meanwhile, Viallat's profound impact on the medium of painting over the past six decades continues to influence and inspire countless artists. This exhibition stands as a celebration of their remarkable contributions and further solidifies their esteemed positions within the art world.
Amsterdam Art Week promises an immersive and awe-inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The exhibition curated by Nazif Lopulissa at m.simons offers a unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of painting and the boundless creativity of three exceptional artists.
.jpg)
