The Pompidou Centre present Union of Modern Artists: A Modern Adventure.
Above all, a major movement of European modernism, it had an impact on French design and architecture.
Founded in 1929, the Union of Modern Artists marked the framework of life and industrialization; a new way of living had to be imagined that was accessible to everyone.
Indoor Furnishings of a Residence, Autumn Salon, Paris, 1929.
photo: Jean collas
Foundation le Corbusier, Paris
©Flc/adagp, 2018 © Adagp, Paris, 2018
Glue painting, Graphite,
Wood chassis.
Pompidou Centre, mnam-cci, Paris. Donation by Aline and Pierre Vellay
In Memory of Annie and Jean Dalsace, 2006. Restored Thanks to the Support of Lvmh /
Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton.
Photo © Centre Pompidou, mnam-cci/Bertrand Prévost / D.R.M.N.-GP © Fondation Lurçat / adagp, Paris, 2018
Soupière, 1937
Argent, Vermeil. Centre Pompidou, mnam-cci, Paris; ;
In Deposit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris © mad, paris/laurent sully Jaulmes public domain
Silver ring.
Presented at the Salon of the Society of French Artists in Paris in 1935
©Photo Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris/Jean Tholance.
This break with style has brought violent criticism to the UAM. For, the artists are reproached for the poverty of the materials used (glass, metal, steel), and for submitting to German influences, those of the Bauhaus. In response, the art critic Louis Chéronnet and the advertising executive Jean Carlu wrote in 1934 the first manifesto of the U.A.M., entitled For modern art, a contemporary living environment, which defends the progressive values of the movement.
It was in 1937 that the International Exposition of Arts and Applied Techniques for Modern Life It sets a record for attendance; the goal is to show that beauty and utility are linked, that art and technology are associated with them.
Jean Collas 1937.
Glass plaque, Argentine gelatin.
Don Annick Collas, 1993.
Inv.FP.Coll.2261.1
© MAD
The exhibition of Centre Pompidou traces the chronological and thematic development of the entire current of the’Union of Modern Artists. Thus, individual works and collective achievements blend together to highlight the connections that united the painters, sculptors, architects, furniture designers, photographers, poster artists, fabric designers, and other artists. jewelry Many of whom are now internationally recognized.
UAM, A Modern Adventure
From May 30 to August 27, 2018
Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
