CHRISTIAN BONNEFOI | Babel 2 Sentence IV

Jacques Elbaz, Paris

Paris, Galerie Jacques Elbaz, Christian Bonnefoi, Adrienne Farb, Monique Frydman, Jean-Pierre Pincemin, 30 September - 20 November 2010; catalogue, np., no. 2, illustrated in colours

There is a dent in the red paint towards the upper edge in the upper right quadrant. Dent in the white paint in the center towards the lower edge. Cracks are visible in the lower right corner. Scattered losses of paint are visible and are in keeping with the artist's scraping technique. Along the edges, most notably along the upper edge, some losses are also visible. The lower left corner presents traces of wear. The fabric is slightly loose in some areas.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Christian Bonnefoi develops a unique pictorial language, between painting, drawing and collage, in which he mixes shapes and blurs landmarks. His work is characterized by a singular practice of collage resulting in a surface that becomes the very object of the work. By Avoiding figuration, suggestion or narration the artist lays emphasis on the importance of the creation process, and its influence on the final result. For Bonnefoi, Experimentation remains an open game, a field of investigation always questioned. According to the artist, the origin of his artistic approach dates back to 1970 when he saw for the first time the work "Dos" from Matisse, exhibited in Paris at the Grand Palais. In 2008 Christian Bonnefoi saw his work rewarded by a retrospective held at the Centre Pompidou; this exhibition captured the originality of a work that remained resolutely pictorial and abstract.