Galerie Durst presents Voyages en papier: The Universe of Fitzia, a tribute exhibition celebrating the work of Fitzia, one of the most brilliant exponents of collage art, who passed away in 2015.
Born in La Baule in 1931, Fitzia traveled across continents and cultures, leaving her mark on the art scenes of Paris, New York, and Mexico. After several years dedicated to painting, it was in 1964 in New York that she truly began her exploration of collage, a technique that would quickly become her preferred mode of expression. The pioneering artist devoted nearly 50 years of her career to collage, creating numerous abstract works of astonishing finesse.
Though seemingly simple and childlike, Fitzia’s work goes far beyond mere paper juxtaposition; it is based on subtle mastery. From the most precious to the most ordinary papers, she tears them, adheres them to wooden panels, then applies patina and finishes with wax.
Each piece, with straight or sinuous edges, is arranged with meticulous precision, creating varied textures and plays of transparency. Colors blend, merge, darken, or lighten. Her creations, both delicate and striking, immerse the viewer in an infinite exploration of forms and colors. This technical yet intuitive approach brings her works to life, allowing Fitzia to express emotions she could not capture in any other way.
“Collage captivated me because paper is a living material; it is like a rival: if I want to fold it, it resists; if I glue it, it comes unstuck; if I apply wax, it stains. Many times I struggle with it, other times I speak to it, but I always feel that its will asserts itself over mine.”
FITZIA
This posthumous exhibition celebrates the legacy of an artist who transformed paper into a true artistic language, leaving her mark on contemporary art through her innovative approach to collage. Voyages en papier: The Universe of Fitziainvites visitors to explore Fitzia’s rich and abstract world, where each work represents a profound dialogue between the creator and her medium. Through this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to admire a selection of works that highlight Fitzia’s remarkable mastery, offering a unique chance to encounter, or rediscover, a major artist of our time.
Discover her artworrks here.
Exhibition “Voyages en papier: The Universe of Fitzia” by Fitzia
From October 17 to November 9, 2024, at Galerie Durst
Opening reception on Wednesday, October 16, starting at 6:00 PM
We look forward to welcoming you to Galerie Durst to celebrate the art of Fitzia.
and to share a moment of beauty and emotion!
About Fitzia: Fitzia Mendialdua, born in 1931 in La Baule, was a French artist of international renown. After spending her childhood in Paris, she moved to Spain in 1944 before settling in Mexico in 1951, where she began her artistic career.
Fitzia gained recognition in 1957 with her first exhibition at Galerie Excelsior in Mexico City, followed by numerous others around the world, including in Japan, the United States, Colombia, and France.
In 1964, she settled in New York before returning to France in 1973, while continuing to divide her time between Paris and Mexico. In 1995, she opened a studio in Burgundy to create large-scale works. Fitzia passed away in 2015 in Mexico.
Many of her works are held in museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum of Mexico City, and the Museum of Bilbao.
To learn more about Fitzia’s work, don’t miss the documentary The Mastery of Collage:
Pour toute demande de presse, contactez Naïma Sfar, au 01 45 24 73 00 ou par email à naima@galeriedurst.com