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

Ernst Rinderspacher (1879 - 1949)
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Paul Klee (1879 - 1940)
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Kurt Laurenz Metzler (1941)
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1941
Lorenz Spring (1964)
Lorenz Spring
1964
Werner Bischof (1916 - 1954)
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Johann Jakob Meyer (1787 - 1858)
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Otto Pilny (1866 - 1936)
Otto Pilny
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Mattia Bonetti (1952)
Mattia Bonetti
1952
Louis Rheiner (1863 - 1924)
Louis Rheiner
1863 - 1924
Adolf Wölfli (1864 - 1930)
Adolf Wölfli
1864 - 1930
Eduard Bühler (1853 - 1912)
Eduard Bühler
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Walter Arnold Steffen (1924 - 1982)
Walter Arnold Steffen
1924 - 1982
Nicolas Party (1980)
Nicolas Party
1980
René Villiger (1931 - 2010)
René Villiger
1931 - 2010
Rémy Zaugg (1943 - 2005)
Rémy Zaugg
1943 - 2005
Roland Werro (1926 - 2018)
Roland Werro
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Bruno Stärk
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Mario Raciti (1939)
Mario Raciti
1939
Victor Isaakovich Gershman (1921 - 2002)
Victor Isaakovich Gershman
1921 - 2002
Hans Christiansen (1866 - 1945)
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1866 - 1945
Heinz Schrand (1926 - 2017)
Heinz Schrand
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Edgar Augustin (1936 - 1996)
Edgar Augustin
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Wang Xijing (1946)
Wang Xijing
1946
Denise De La Rue (1972)
Denise De La Rue
1972
William James Bloye (1890 - 1975)
William James Bloye
1890 - 1975
Stanley Whitney (1946)
Stanley Whitney
1946
Dora Maar (1907 - 1997)
Dora Maar
1907 - 1997
Peter Demetz (1969)
Peter Demetz
1969
Angel Delgado (1965)
Angel Delgado
1965
Otakar Švec (1892 - 1955)
Otakar Švec
1892 - 1955
Dmitry Vladimirovich Gorlov (1899 - 1988)
Dmitry Vladimirovich Gorlov
1899 - 1988
Benjamin Houlihan (1975)
Benjamin Houlihan
1975
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