A major protagonist of contemporary art, all-round and social artist, and pioneer of kinetic art, Carlos Cruz-Diez (1923-2019) was an undisputed master of colour. Throughout his career, he experimented with and developed a large number of researches that remain emblematic of his artistic language.

Carlos Cruz-Diez defined himself first and foremost as a painter, listening to the profound societal changes happening around him, in Venezuela and in the world. From the beginning, he was interested in the invention of a new work, requiring the constant search for unconventional techniques and technologies, which would come to play a key role in his approach. From 1994, this placed him in the avant-garde of the digital revolution that would follow, allowing the public to create unique, computer-assisted works from his characteristic palette.

He figures among the most prolific artists of his time in the urban space. His works are designed to reach a large audience and to be part of everyday life. As a result, several hundred of his creations can be found scattered across the globe, occupying spaces that have since become iconic such as Caracas airport in Venezuela, or Place du Venezuela in Paris. In France, they are an integral part of the cultural heritage of cities like Clermont-Ferrand, Cambrai, Villetaneuse or La Roche-sur-Yon. Even today, his works lend a special glow to the façades of Prada stores in Asia, part of an homage paid to him by the brand.

GALLERIA CONTINUA will present iconic and unpublished works of Carlos Cruz-Diez in the upcoming highlights of international contemporary art: Frieze Masters in London (12-16 October) and Paris+ par Art Basel (20-23 October) – including in particular a monumental work never before shown to the public as part of the “hors-les-murs” circuit in the Jardin des Tuileries.