Jean Tinguely (1925 - 1991) - photo 1

Jean Tinguely

Jean Tinguely, a Swiss sculptor born in Fribourg, Switzerland, in 1925, carved a unique niche in art history with his kinetic sculptures, integrating movement and self-destruction into his works. Notably, his pieces extend the Dada tradition into the latter part of the 20th century, satirizing automation and the technological overproduction of material goods. Tinguely's innovative approach is exemplified in his Metamatic drawing machines, allowing viewers to create abstract images automatically, and his spectacular self-destroying sculpture "Homage to New York" at MoMA in 1960, showcasing his flair for blending performance and art​​​​​​.

His artistry evolved through collaboration with other artists, including his wife Niki de Saint Phalle, leading to vibrant, large-scale projects like the colorful "Stravinsky Fountain" near the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Tinguely's works, characterized by their use of scrap metal and mechanical parts, not only challenge the conventional boundaries of art but also engage with themes of destruction, renewal, and the intersection of art and life. His significant contributions to kinetic art and his involvement with the Nouveau Réalisme group highlight his pioneering role in post-war European art​​.

Tinguely's legacy is preserved in the Museum Tinguely in Basel, dedicated to his life and work, ensuring his innovative spirit continues to inspire. His works, such as "Méta-Harmonie" and the "Carnival Fountain" in Basel, remain influential, blending artistic exploration with mechanical invention​​​​.

For art collectors and experts, Tinguely's creations represent not only significant artistic achievements but also compelling investments, as his works continue to command high prices at auctions, reflecting their enduring appeal and historical importance​​.

To stay updated on sales and auction events featuring Jean Tinguely's art, sign up for updates. This subscription will ensure you're informed about new opportunities to explore and acquire pieces by this visionary artist, bringing the dynamic energy of kinetic art into your collection.

Date and place of birt:22 may 1925, Fribourg, Switzerland
Date and place of death:30 august 1991, Bern, Switzerland
Nationality:Switzerland
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter, Sculptor
Art school / group:ZERO
Art style:Kinetic art, Modern art, Surrealism, Dadaism, Contemporary art
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Creators Switzerland

Hermann Scherer (1893 - 1927)
Hermann Scherer
1893 - 1927
Johann Bossard (1874 - 1950)
Johann Bossard
1874 - 1950
Angelika Kauffmann (1741 - 1807)
Angelika Kauffmann
1741 - 1807
Walter Arnold Steffen (1924 - 1982)
Walter Arnold Steffen
1924 - 1982
Johann Jakob Frey (1813 - 1865)
Johann Jakob Frey
1813 - 1865
Otto Landolt (1889 - 1951)
Otto Landolt
1889 - 1951
Marc Sterling (1895 - 1976)
Marc Sterling
1895 - 1976
Anna Waser (1678 - 1714)
Anna Waser
1678 - 1714
Franz Eggenschwiler (1930 - 2000)
Franz Eggenschwiler
1930 - 2000
Rolf Luethi (1933 - 2015)
Rolf Luethi
1933 - 2015
Johann Melchior Kambly (1718 - 1783)
Johann Melchior Kambly
1718 - 1783
Matthäus Merian I (1593 - 1650)
Matthäus Merian I
1593 - 1650
Johannes Mettler (1821 - 1863)
Johannes Mettler
1821 - 1863
Benedikt Momme Nissen (1870 - 1943)
Benedikt Momme Nissen
1870 - 1943
Max Bill (1908 - 1994)
Max Bill
1908 - 1994
Kaspar Heinrich Merz (1806 - 1875)
Kaspar Heinrich Merz
1806 - 1875

Creators Contemporary art

Rainer Tappeser (1941)
Rainer Tappeser
1941
Philip Evergood (1901 - 1973)
Philip Evergood
1901 - 1973
Dorothea Schrade (1943)
Dorothea Schrade
1943
Tomas Esson (1963)
Tomas Esson
1963
Nancy Rubins (1952)
Nancy Rubins
1952
Gaston Orellana (1933)
Gaston Orellana
1933
Michael Vasilyevich Matyushin (1861 - 1934)
Michael Vasilyevich Matyushin
1861 - 1934
Jim Nutt (1938)
Jim Nutt
1938
Roger Sebastián Aguilar Labrada (1947)
Roger Sebastián Aguilar Labrada
1947
Yuozas Yokubovich Mikenas (1901 - 1964)
Yuozas Yokubovich Mikenas
1901 - 1964
Johanna Oenicke (1972)
Johanna Oenicke
1972
Howard Ben Tré (1949 - 2020)
Howard Ben Tré
1949 - 2020
Hermann Gruber (1938)
Hermann Gruber
1938
Claire Colinet (1880 - 1950)
Claire Colinet
1880 - 1950
Belkis Ayón (1967 - 1999)
Belkis Ayón
1967 - 1999
Jessie Makinson (1985)
Jessie Makinson
1985
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