BernardAubertin

Biography

Bernard Aubertin (1934, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France– 2015) was a notable French artist renowned for his contributions to the post-war European avant-garde, particularly within the ZERO movement. Aubertin's artistic practice focused extensively on monochromatic paintings, notably his vibrant red canvases, which he considered a symbol of vitality and energy. In the late 1950s, Aubertin began creating his signature "Tableaux Feu" (fire paintings), artworks made by igniting matches directly on canvas. This innovative method emphasized the process and transformation, aligning closely with ZERO's exploration of new materials and methods beyond traditional artistic boundaries. Throughout his career, Aubertin maintained close ties with fellow avant-garde artists such as Yves Klein, Otto Piene, and Heinz Mack. His artworks frequently appeared in major exhibitions dedicated to the ZERO movement and related artistic trends throughout Europe and internationally. Aubertin’s legacy lies in his groundbreaking exploration of monochrome and his radical integration of fire into art-making, contributing significantly to the ongoing discourse on materiality, color symbolism, and creative destruction within contemporary art.

Artworks (9)