Hélène de Beauvoir, lesser-known sister of feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir, is gaining recognition with a new exhibition in London. Hélène, a painter who passed away in 2001, collaborated closely with Simone, facing both jealousy and support in their relationship. Titled “The Woman Destroyed,” the exhibition showcases engravings Hélène created for Simone’s 1967 story collection alongside Hélène’s artwork, highlighting her transition from figurative to abstract styles and exploring shared feminist themes.

Hélène de Beauvoir was an accomplished painter but remained largely overshadowed by her sister, Simone, a prominent feminist writer. This exhibition marks a significant turn in recognising Hélène’s contributions to art, particularly her engravings that accompanied Simone’s literary work. The sisters’ complex relationship—marked by mutual support and rivalry—suggests the depths of their artistic connections and shared values.

This exhibition not only elevates Hélène de Beauvoir’s artistic legacy but also celebrates the intricate bond between her and Simone. It reflects their joint commitment to feminism and highlights the evolution of Hélène’s artistic style. As audiences engage with Hélène’s work, her individual contributions to the art world are finally being acknowledged.

Original Source: airmail.news

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Hélène de Beauvoir, the lesser-known sister of feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir, emerges from historical obscurity as a significant feminist artist. Unlike Simone, Hélène was a prolific painter admired by Picasso, who praised her originality in 1936. She served as president of a women’s refuge and was an early signatory of the 1971 Manifesto of the 343 Women, acknowledging illegal abortions. Despite her achievements, she remained overshadowed by Simone until recognition is being revived through a new exhibition of her work at the Amar Gallery in London.

Amar Singh, the gallery owner, aims to highlight overlooked artists, inspired by his discovery of Hélène’s work from 1930s Paris. The sisters, fierce supporters of each other’s art, navigated personal and professional rivalries, with Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone’s partner, even hiding at Hélène’s home when sought by paparazzi. The exhibition, titled ‘The Woman Destroyed’, features Hélène’s artistic collaboration with Simone, focusing on their unique narratives.

Hélène’s artwork captures themes of feminism and nature, featuring women and animals, and addresses issues from the 1968 student protests. Claudine Monteil, a close friend of the sisters, reflects on how Hélène’s work was overshadowed by her gender and marital commitments. Yet, Hélène’s early paintings received positive reviews and are now housed in several prestigious museums worldwide.

Despite being separated by decades, Hélène and Monteil shared a close bond. Hélène, who led a full life, was admired for her warmth and dedication to women’s causes. As a pioneer of both feminist and environmentalist movements, Hélène would likely have continued advocating for these issues today if she were still alive.

Hélène de Beauvoir was instrumental yet underappreciated in the feminist and artistic movements of the 20th century, overshadowed by her sister Simone de Beauvoir. Hélène’s contributions as a painter and activist paralleled those of her sister, reflecting core feminist themes in her art. The current exhibition at Amar Gallery aims to rediscover and celebrate Hélène’s legacy and the complexity of her artistic journey, influenced profoundly by her familial ties and the socio-political landscape of her time.

Hélène de Beauvoir’s legacy is being rediscovered through the upcoming exhibition at Amar Gallery, highlighting her impact as an artist and feminist. Her works, celebrated by renowned figures like Picasso, reveal significant narratives that resonate with contemporary issues. Acknowledging Hélène’s place alongside her sister Simone affirms the importance of recognising women artists in history who have been overlooked due to gender and societal pressures, rekindling the conversation around their contributions to art and feminism.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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