The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York, is currently hosting “Beyond Reality: Paintings and Drawings by Bertrand Meniel,” a comprehensive exhibition that runs from October 14, 2024, through April 6, 2025. This showcase delves into the intricate photorealistic works of French artist Bertrand Meniel, highlighting his exceptional technical prowess and unique artistic vision.

Artist Background

Born in 1961 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Bertrand Meniel is a self-taught artist who has been a prominent figure in the photorealism movement since 1996. His works are renowned for their meticulous detail and expansive panoramic compositions, often depicting urban landscapes with a level of precision that challenges the boundaries between photography and painting. Meniel’s ability to capture the essence of cityscapes, from the play of light on architectural structures to the subtle nuances of everyday life, has garnered him international acclaim.

Exhibition Overview

“Beyond Reality” presents a curated selection of Meniel’s paintings and drawings, offering visitors an immersive experience into his artistic journey. The exhibition features both recent and earlier works, providing a comprehensive view of his evolution as an artist. Notable pieces include “Breakfast at the Fairmont” (2009), an acrylic on linen painting measuring 38 ½ x 71 ¼ inches, and “Washington Street, San Francisco” (2011), a graphite on paper drawing measuring 22 ¼ x 22 ¼ inches. These works exemplify Meniel’s dedication to capturing urban environments with unparalleled detail and depth.

Artistic Process

Meniel’s creative process is both intricate and technologically advanced. He begins by photographing his chosen subjects from multiple angles and perspectives, often capturing hundreds of images. Utilizing digital tools, he meticulously combines these photographs, focusing simultaneously on foreground and background elements to create a cohesive composition. This digital manipulation allows him to achieve a level of detail and clarity that surpasses traditional photographic capabilities. Once the digital composition is perfected, Meniel translates it onto canvas, employing acrylic paints to meticulously render the scene. His technique results in paintings that are not only visually striking but also rich in texture and depth, inviting viewers to explore every facet of the depicted environment.

Themes and Subjects

Meniel’s work predominantly focuses on urban landscapes, capturing the dynamic interplay between architecture, light, and human activity. His paintings often feature panoramic views that extend beyond the natural field of human vision, providing a comprehensive portrayal of city life. Through his art, Meniel seeks to encapsulate “that magic moment: a combination of good light, architectural interest, a perspective that gives depth, and a bit of luck.” This approach results in works that are both realistic and evocative, offering viewers a fresh perspective on familiar urban settings.

Critical Reception

The exhibition has been met with widespread acclaim from both critics and visitors. Art enthusiasts have praised Meniel’s ability to blur the lines between reality and representation, creating works that compel viewers to question their perceptions. The meticulous detail and technical skill evident in his paintings have been highlighted as testaments to his dedication and mastery of the photorealistic style. The Parrish Art Museum’s presentation of Meniel’s work has been lauded for providing an insightful and engaging exploration of contemporary photorealism.

Exhibition Support and Curation

“Beyond Reality” is curated by Klaus Ottmann, the Robert Lehman Curator, with additional support from Kaitlin Halloran, Associate Curator and Publications Manager. The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Louis K. Meisel Gallery, a prominent institution known for its dedication to photorealistic art. The Parrish Art Museum’s programs are also supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts and by property taxpayers from the Southampton and Tuckahoe Common School Districts.

Visitor Information

The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976. The museum is open from Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 5 pm, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission fees are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and free for members, students, and children under 18. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website for any updates on hours and special events related to the exhibition.

Impression

“Beyond Reality: Paintings and Drawings by Bertrand Meniel” offers a captivating exploration of urban life through the lens of photorealism. Meniel’s exceptional technical skill and artistic vision provide viewers with an opportunity to experience familiar environments in a new and profound way. The exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and relevance of photorealistic art in contemporary society.

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