Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi
The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® exhibition, showcases the works of Pierre Bonnard, a beloved 20th-century painter known for his expressive use of colour and emotional depth. The exhibition features over one hundred pieces including paintings, drawings, photographs, folding screens and early cinema, providing a kaleidoscopic experience of Bonnard’s artistic journey from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. Developed in collaboration with Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the exhibition draws primarily from the museum’s extensive collection of Bonnard’s works, supplemented by significant loans from other collections in France and beyond. Bonnard’s introspective self-portraits and scenes of his daily life, as well as majestic and joyous works celebrating the luminous landscapes near Le Cannet, the town where he lived on the French Riviera are complemented by a specially-commissioned scenography by India Mahdavi, a renowned architect and designer. Known for her expertise in colour and texture, Mahdavi enveloped Bonnard’s works in an environment that complements his distinct style and domestic intimacy. Her design adds a three-dimensional experience to the exhibition, incorporating wall and floor applications as well as furniture to enhance viewer experience, capturing the essence of Bonnard’s iridescent paintings and the intimate worlds he depicted. The exhibition continues until October 8, 2023.
