For this new edition of the BRAFA, Galerie Taménaga presents a selection of paintings by the artist Bernard Buffet on emblematic themes. 

Although the name of this artist remains forever indissociable from that of his dealer Maurice Garnier, the introduction of his work in Asia and the USA is undeniably associated with his privileged relationship with the gallerist Kiyoshi Taménaga.
From 1962, Taménaga has played a central role in Bernard Buffet’s career by presenting his works to his fellow Japanese citizens and also by persuading major philanthropists to finance the construction of his museum - and to date unique - the prestigious Bernard Buffet Museum, opened in 1973, in Higashino. Faithful to the Galerie Taménaga, Bernard Buffet exhibited in Japan many times, and visited his old friend frequently. 

Among the dozen works on display, a canvas from his serie Les Oiseaux marks a turning point in Bernard Buffet’s work. Entitled L’Oiseau Rouge (1959, 240 x 280 cm), this monumental work is intended to be allegorical. Bernard Buffet reinterprets the myth of Léda and the Swan, confronting it with his own states of mind. In the painting, a frightening animal spies on his muse Annabel who spreads her legs, languishing. It emanates from her a form of beauty and innocence: an object of desire for the dominant bird-man with a piercing eye. This work of art is very provocative, both in the crudeness of its representation and in the use of blatant colours and outrageous expressionism. Consequently, this painting caused a scandal when it was first exhibited in 1960 at the David and Garnier Gallery. L’Oiseau rouge features the allegorical and expressive work of Bernard Buffet, an exceptional canvas worthy of a museum collection.
L’Oiseau rouge was exhibited during the major Bernard Buffet retrospective at the Musée National d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (2016- 2017). 

In addition to Bernard Buffet, Galerie Taménaga will also present on its stand works by: Balthus, Degas, Fautrier, Francis, Magritte, Mathieu, Matisse, Picasso, Redon, Van Dongen, and contemporary artist Takehiko Sugawara.