“La promesse du bonheur”: Tom Wesselmann exhibition at Villa Paloma

© Government Communication Department – Charly Gallo

 

Photo caption: Tom Wesselmann

Gina’s Hand, 1972–82

Oil on canvas

© The Estate of Tom Wesselmann/Licensed by VAGA, New York

Until 6 January 2019, the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM)’s Villa Paloma is hosting a public exhibition dedicated to one of the key figures in American pop art, Tom Wesselmann. The exhibition takes its title from Stendhal’s famous claim that “La beauté n’est que la promesse du bonheur” (“Beauty is but the promise of happiness”). 

It is not a retrospective but focuses on Wesselmann’s portrayal of women – which has often provoked controversy due to his purported objectification of them – and offers a much more nuanced look at the relationship between the artist and his female subjects. 

Exhibition curator Chris Sharp has brought together 25 paintings, drawings and sculptures created between 1963 and 1993. Some of the works are drawn from the artist’s series, such as Great American Nudes, Bedroom Paintings, Seascapes and Still Life. 

A guided tour by exhibition curator Chris Sharp will be offered at 4 pm on Sunday 1 July (free entry). 

Entrance to the NMNM is free every Sunday.