Pierre Bergian & Wayne Pate
Interiorism
February 4 – March 25, 2023
Pierre Bergian expresses his fascination for architecture through his paintings by exploring space and structure, making use of the presence of architectural components. His current work depicts a selection of interiors from the pantheon of 20th century design, from Tony Duquette's Dawnridge to Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment. Bergian’s rooms convey a sense of breathing, pulsing characters, with their richness of personality fully rendered in the artist’s loose, impressionistic brushwork.
Bergian built his career painting primarily empty interiors and emphasizing their architecture and play of light, inviting the viewer to imagine their past and future lives. In contrast, in his present works Bergian depicts rooms as they were actually lived in. One has the unexpected chance to see him interpret the canon of classic furniture forms, whether tracing the curve of a Louis XV bergère or limning the lacquered folds of a Coromandel screen.
Bergian studied at the University of Ghent and has published writings on the topic of design and architecture. He has had solo exhibitions at Purdy Hicks, London; Gallery Laurent de Puybaudet, Paris; Galerie Josine Bokhoven, Amsterdam, and his work in included in the permanent collection at the British Museum in London.
