Hélène de Beauvoir’s art is showcased in the exhibition “The Woman Destroyed” at London’s Amar Gallery. Although lesser-known than her sister, Simone, Hélène’s work reflects her experiences and political engagement. The exhibition features a selection of her paintings, emphasising her artistic evolution and calling for recognition beyond her sister’s shadow. It runs until March 30, 2025.
At London’s Amar Gallery, a new exhibition titled “The Woman Destroyed” brings Hélène de Beauvoir’s art back into focus. Born in 1910, Hélène was overshadowed by her sister, the renowned philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. While she enjoyed some recognition, her work never reached widespread acclaim before her death in 2001. This exhibition aims to highlight her neglected contributions to art, which reflect her unique perspective and life experiences.
Curated by Amar Singh, the exhibit showcases a selection of Hélène’s paintings, obtained after three years of effort. The title references Simone’s 1967 work featuring Hélène’s etchings. Although Hélène’s art is often hidden in history, closer inspection reveals her distinct voice and significant themes.
Hélène’s relationship with her sister, a prominent intellectual, influenced her artistic journey. She expressed, “I have never separated my life from my painting,” indicating how personal experiences shaped her work. Simone supported Hélène financially, using her own salary to aid her sister’s career, yet Hélène’s art remains original and impactful in its own right.
Visitors to the exhibition will notice a striking use of colour and form. While her earlier rural watercolours are appealing, her later abstract pieces invite deeper contemplation. These works encourage exploration beyond intellectual analysis, offering an experiential artistic journey.
Hélène’s political awareness also resonated in her art. Her series,
Le Joli Mois de Mai, was born from the student protests of 1968, though it wasn’t exhibited as intended due to its controversial message. Beyond art, she actively engaged in social issues, becoming president of a refuge for domestic abuse victims and endorsing the 1971 Manifesto of the 343 Women.
Despite the political undertones of her work, much of it is not represented in this showcase. However, the selected pieces reflect her evolving style and contribute to understanding her role in art history. The hope is that visitors will appreciate Hélène as an artist independent of her sister’s fame.
“Hélène de Beauvoir: The Woman Destroyed” is currently at Amar Gallery until March 30, 2025, providing an opportunity for renewed appreciation of this often-overlooked artist.
The Amar Gallery’s exhibition, “The Woman Destroyed,” aims to revive interest in Hélène de Beauvoir, an artist often eclipsed by her sister, Simone. By displaying a selection of Hélène’s works, the show challenges visitors to recognise her unique contributions to art. Despite the absence of many politically charged pieces, the exhibition showcases an evolution in Hélène’s artistic style and promotes her legacy as an independent voice in the art world.
Original Source: observer.com