‘Untitled Rencontres’ by Opera Gallery showcases art's enduring influence

Through its ability to communicate universally across time and space, art fosters deep human relationships across geographies and time. Its ability to arouse feelings, spark ideas, and capture common experiences, enables people to relate on a profoundly intimate level despite differences in time or culture. It compels us to think, feel, and comprehend the world in ways that words alone frequently are unable to. Fostering this thought, Opera Gallery unveiled Untitled Rencontres a group exhibition featuring a collection of ‘Modern Masters’ including artists such as Pablo Picasso, Fernardo Botero, Marc Chagall, Nicholas De Staël, Paul Delvaux, Jean Dubuffet, Lucio Fontana, Hans Hartung, Yayoi Kusama, Fernand Léger, René Magritte, Georges Mathieu, Joan Miró, Serge Poliakoff, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Pierre Soulages, Kees van Dongen, Andy Warhol, Niki de Saint Phalle and Manolo Valdés. The exhibition also includes specific presentations by Opera Gallery’s represented artists, such as British-Israeli designer Ron Arad, and artist Andy Denzler.

The art exhibition began on 23 November 2023, at Opera Gallery’s new space in the heart of London's Mayfair neighbourhood, and is on till 7 January 2024. Untitled Rencontres spans three floors, and the adjoining Medici Courtyard, to present large-scale sculptural works. The art gallery's rich cultural identity is showcased in the exhibition which combines its London presence with its French heritage. It serves as a metaphor for the vibrant cohabitation of many cultures and viewpoints that influence and enhance the gallery's interpretation of modern art. “London is home to some of the most important art institutions in the world, and the cultural influence and creative spirit of the city has been captivating to artists and collectors alike for centuries. We are thrilled to continue our tenure on New Bond Street and expand our presence in Mayfair with a larger space where we will continue contributing to and building upon the artistic legacy of the city through the presentation of thought-provoking exhibitions and programming in this historic space,” shares Isabelle de La Bruyère, CEO, Opera Gallery.

Two sculptures by Manolo Valdés, titled Infanta Margarita are located in the Medici Courtyard, while the 'Modern Masters' collection is housed on the ground floor of the newly constructed gallery. Across the first floor a special presentation of works by Ron Arad. Demonstrates his ongoing experimentation with raw materials such as steel, aluminium or polyamide, which he often distorts into sinusoidal, elliptical and oval forms. The exhibition also includes important examples of the artist’s work from the 1980s and his iconic crystalline Big Easy pieces. Arad’s presentation will focus on a series of new artworks made in collaboration with artisans from Dakar, Senegal. These works America Made in Africa, Salam Sofa and Don’t Ya Tell Henri are handcrafted using the metal from oil drums. Five per cent of the proceeds from the sale of America Made in Africa will be donated to the medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières. Commenting on the new artworks in the showcase, Arad relays, “I am filled with excitement for this Opera Gallery show as it features artworks I have not seen in a long time and some that I have never touched before. Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to daily and intensive online collaboration with amazing artisans in Dakar, and I can’t wait to see and touch the artworks for real.”

Andy Denzler’s presentation is featured across the lower ground floor. Denzler is known for his distinct style that blends painting and digital manipulation techniques to produce artworks that stand out for their ‘glitch’ aesthetic. The exhibition showcases a mixture of new and older artworks, with human figures remaining at the core of his explorations. His new works explore the interplay of figures and interiors in space, which come together on the canvas like a collage. With this new body of work, Denzler aims to capture scenes in space that transcend time, juxtaposing vintage furniture within a contemporary context, thereby making the images appear timeless.

The resonance of Untitled Rencontres endures through this exhibition, serving as a testimony to art's ongoing capacity to transcend chronological and geographical boundaries and create connections that last outside of gallery walls. The combination of 'Modern Masters' with the works of Ron Arad and Andy Denzler shows how artistic communication transcends time and space.