Serge Poliakoff, a Russian-born French painter, emerged as one of the leading figures in the abstract art movement in post-war Paris. Born in Moscow in 1900, Poliakoff fled Russia during the civil unrest of the early 20th century, eventually settling in Paris in 1923. His arrival in the French capital coincided with a period of dynamic artistic evolution, and he soon became a significant player in the vibrant art scene that defined Paris after World War II.

Poliakoff’s artistic development in Paris

In Paris, Poliakoff began his artistic training at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, and over the years, he evolved from figurative painting to a distinct form of abstraction. He became associated with the Nouvelle École de Paris (New School of Paris), a group of post-war abstract artists who sought to redefine modern art through non-figurative forms and a focus on color and composition. Poliakoff's works from this period are marked by his innovative use of color fields and interlocking shapes, which create a sense of balance, rhythm, and harmony.

In 1937, Serge Poliakoff held his first solo exhibition at the Galerie Zak, where he met Wassily Kandinsky and began developing an interest in non-figurative art despite initially being puzzled by Kandinsky's theoretical approach. The following year, Poliakoff exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants, formed a close friendship with abstract painters Sonia and Robert Delaunay, and regularly visited their home to discuss abstract art.

The Post-War Paris Art Scene

After World War II, Paris regained its status as a hub of artistic activity. The city became a melting pot of ideas and creativity, attracting artists from all over the world. During this time, Poliakoff’s work began to gain recognition for its unique approach to color and abstraction. He was influenced by contemporaries such as Wassily Kandinsky and Sonia Delaunay, but he developed his distinct style characterized by geometric shapes, layered compositions, and a muted yet intense palette.

Poliakoff's approach to painting was rooted in his desire to explore the spiritual and emotional possibilities of color. His canvases often feature overlapping blocks of color that appear to vibrate and interact with each other, creating a dynamic visual experience. This technique was groundbreaking in its ability to convey depth and movement without relying on representational forms, marking Poliakoff as a key figure in the evolution of abstract art.

Notable Exhibitions in the 1940s and 1950s

During the late 1940s and 1950s, Serge Poliakoff's work gained significant recognition in Paris and internationally, establishing him as a leading abstract artist. His early solo exhibition at Galerie L’Esquisse in 1945 marked his transition from figurative to abstract art, highlighting his unique use of color and form. Regular participation in the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles from 1947 to 1958 showcased his commitment to non-figurative art alongside other prominent abstract artists. In 1952, a major solo exhibition at Galerie Bing attracted international attention, while his 1956 exhibition at Galerie de France solidified his reputation, enhanced by the publication of a monograph on his work.

Serge Poliakoff and His Relationship with Victor Vasarely and Op Art

Serge Poliakoff's relationship with Victor Vasarely, another key figure of the post-war Parisian art scene, highlights an interesting intersection between two distinct approaches to abstraction. While Poliakoff is primarily associated with lyrical abstraction — a style marked by his use of organic shapes and deep, resonant colors — Victor Vasarely is considered the "father" of Op Art (Optical Art), which is characterized by its use of geometric forms and optical illusions to create visual effects that appear to move or change.

Both artists were contemporaries in the Parisian art world and were part of the Nouvelle École de Paris, a group of artists who embraced abstract art in various forms. Despite their different approaches, Poliakoff and Vasarely were connected through their mutual exploration of abstraction and the dynamic possibilities of color and form.

While Vasarely focused on creating works that played with visual perception, often using contrasting colors and precise geometric patterns to create illusions of movement and depth, Poliakoff's abstractions were more painterly and emotive. However, both artists shared a fascination with how color and form could engage the viewer's senses, albeit through different techniques and visual strategies.

Both Poliakoff and Vasarely contributed significantly to the development of abstract art in the mid-20th century. While Vasarely’s work focused on challenging visual perception and became foundational for Op Art, Poliakoff’s contributions lay in his deep exploration of color fields and shapes, offering a more organic and emotional counterpart to the more structured and optical work of Vasarely.

In conclusion, in post-war Paris, Serge Poliakoff emerged as a leading voice in abstract art, gaining recognition for his innovative use of color and form. His exhibitions during this time helped establish his reputation, both in France and internationally, and his contributions to the evolution of modern art continue to be celebrated today. Poliakoff's work remains a testament to the creativity and vitality of the Parisian art scene in the aftermath of World War II.

Exhibition at VILLAZAN Madrid in September 2024

In September 2024 VILLAZAN Madrid is holding an exciting exhibition dedicated to kinetic and geometric art. This upcoming show will feature a selection of works by renowned artists Serge Poliakoff and Victor Vasarely, showcasing their contributions to these dynamic and visually engaging art movements,  among other pioneering artists. The exhibition aims to highlight the innovative use of color, form, and movement in their artworks, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the intersections of abstract art and optical illusion.