PARIS.- A vibrant journey through the evolution of modern art has officially opened its doors, inviting visitors to explore the surprising connections between pioneering artist Fernand Léger and a constellation of influential figures from the 1960s to today. Titled "Tous Léger !" (All Light! / All Easy!), this groundbreaking exhibition, co-organized by GrandPalaisRmn, the National Museums of the 20th Century of the Alpes-Maritimes, and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) in Nice, offers an unprecedented dialogue between Léger's iconic works and over thirty pieces by European and American avant-gardes.


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Conceived primarily from the rich collections of the National Fernand Léger Museum in Biot and MAMAC in Nice, the exhibition shines a particular spotlight on the powerful historical and artistic link between Léger (1881-1955) and the generation that immediately followed him: the New Realists. This influential movement, launched in 1960 by art critic Pierre Restany, brought together artists like Arman, César, Yves Klein, Martial Raysse, Daniel Spoerri, and Niki de Saint Phalle, all of whom engaged directly with the everyday objects of consumer society and the raw aesthetics of the street. Their aim was not merely to represent reality, but to poetically appropriate it.

Fascinatingly, Fernand Léger himself, as early as the 1920s, had defined his artistic approach as a "New Realism," describing it as "a terrible invention to make truth, the consequences of which can be incalculable." It is said that Pierre Restany, a fervent admirer of Léger, even named the New Realists movement as a direct tribute to the painter. This exhibition uniquely explores this profound, often overlooked, connection between Léger's foundational ideas and the subsequent artistic explosions.

Beyond the New Realists, "Tous Léger !" expands its scope to include other pivotal movements and international artists. American Pop Art, represented by giants like Robert Indiana and Roy Lichtenstein, finds its place in interaction with Léger's work. The exhibition also features artists who emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, such as Gilbert & George from London and Keith Haring from New York, whose works are drawn from MAMAC's extensive collections. While Léger's role as a precursor to Pop Art has been touched upon in past shows, his specific relationship with the French art scene of the 1960s, particularly the New Realists, is explored in an entirely new light here.

The exhibition's journey delves into other compelling themes that resonate through these diverse works: the representation of leisure society, the role of art in public space, the push for art accessible to all, and the significance of collaborative creative processes. Through this vibrant constellation of art, "Tous Léger !" powerfully illustrates the enduring modernity, multidisciplinary nature, and visionary scope of Fernand Léger's oeuvre, proving that his artistic legacy continues to enlighten and inspire new generations.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this dynamic dialogue, witnessing how forms and ideas transcend time, echoing Léger's timeless call for a "New Realism" that continues to shape our artistic landscape.


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