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Jean TinguelySwiss sculptor, representative of kinetic art
Date of Birth: 22.05.1925
Country:  Switzerland |
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Biography of Jean Tinguely
Swiss sculptor and representative of kinetic art, Jean Tinguely was born on May 22, 1925 in Fribourg, Switzerland, in the family of a Nestlé company employee. Tinguely grew up in Basel, where he attended the School of Fine Arts. He had a difficult relationship with his parents. In 1939, Jean attempted to go to Albania to fight against the Italian fascists who had occupied the country. However, he was detained by the Swiss police at the border and sent back home.
Early Career
Tinguely's artistic career began as a decorator of store windows in Zurich, and later in Basel. In 1952, Tinguely moved to Paris with his wife. Here, he became close to Niki de Saint Phalle and Yves Klein. He participated in several joint exhibitions with Klein. In 1960, Tinguely joined the group "New Realists". The Russian avant-garde of the 1920s had a significant influence on Tinguely's work. In the 1950s, he gained fame for his "drawing" and "self-destructing" kinetic machines, made from various junk, which parodied modern technological civilization in the spirit of deconstructionism.
The Destructive Machines
Tinguely's next step was the notorious "self-destructing machines" - large assemblies of engines, wheels, pipes, and other metal junk, which would again transform into a pile of debris during explosions and fireworks. Tinguely created works of art from what people threw away: engines, gearboxes, Coca-Cola cans, umbrellas, and other junk. All these elements, combined in the most incredible ways, would begin to move chaotically in front of the astonished public's eyes.
Awards and Recognition
Tinguely's artistic achievements were recognized with various awards. He was the laureate of the Wilhelm Lehmbruck Prize, the Goethe Foundation, the University of Bologna, and the cities of Basel, Bern, and Zurich. He was an honorary citizen of Basel and Fribourg, and an honorary doctor of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. In 1990, a major retrospective exhibition of his work took place at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.
Legacy
Jean Tinguely passed away on August 30, 1991 in Bern, Switzerland. His innovative and provocative artistic style continues to inspire artists around the world, and his contributions to the field of kinetic art have left a lasting impact. Tinguely's ability to transform discarded objects into captivating and thought-provoking artworks remains an important aspect of his artistic legacy.
