Frank Bowling first solo exhibition in France

Frank Bowling’s Masterclass in Collage and Abstraction

Frank Bowling’s first solo exhibition in France marks a long overdue moment. Presented at Hauser & Wirth Paris, “Frank Bowling. Collage” brings together over two decades of the British-Guyanese artist’s work, tracing his persistent, poetic exploration of collage as both idea and method. Now 91, Bowling paints every day—his drive undiminished, his curiosity as sharp as ever. The show doesn’t just celebrate his technical mastery; it reveals an artist still actively reshaping the possibilities of abstraction.

The exhibition features four monumental new paintings in the ground-floor gallery. These large-scale works, made from multiple canvas panels, reaffirm Bowling’s long-standing use of marouflage and collaged canvas. Among them, the 4.4-meter-tall “Skid” (2023) stands out. It exemplifies his dynamic layering of color, texture, and found materials. As a result, it powerfully reflects the approach that has defined his entire career.

A Life in Layers: The Thinking Behind the Canvas

For Bowling, collage is more than a technique. It is a way of thinking. He first encountered Henri Matisse’s cut-outs in the late 1950s. Later, he saw the master‘s work again at MoMA’s 1992 retrospective. These experiences had a lasting impact on his practice. For example, in the 1999 Winter issue of Modern Painters, Bowling chose Matisse’s “The Snail” (1953) as the most influential work in shaping his vision. This homage is clear in works like “Back to Snail” (2000). In this piece, he revisits the spiral motif with his signature textural dynamism.

Bowling’s engagement with collage began in the 1960s. At that time, he aimed to unify color, gesture, and materiality into one cohesive artistic language. “I wanted to marry up all these disparate bits,” he once said, “this fandango of all these styles, and make a strong work that has aspects of painting, sculpture, and architecture.”

Moreover, his use of found objects has become increasingly central to his work. Since the 1980s, Bowling has embedded everyday materials—such as children’s toys and medical equipment—into his canvases. These elements transform into deeply personal, almost autobiographical compositions. “Skid,” for example, includes a medical plastic bag, a protruding medical tube, and canvas strips. He embeds these items in translucent layers of acrylic gel and paint. As a result, they break through the surface and give viewers an intimate entry point into his lived experience and artistic memory.

An Immersive Opening Event

The grand opening of “Frank Bowling: Collage” became both an artistic and personal celebration. The artist’s son, Ben Bowling, introduced each work and guided visitors through the exhibition. This personal touch added warmth and intimacy to the event. In addition, it highlighted Bowling’s continued engagement with his craft and legacy.

In keeping with Hauser & Wirth’s commitment to experiential art, the launch event blended visual and performative elements. For example, guests heard live readings from Bowling’s essays and reflections on abstraction. A curated soundscape played throughout the space, inspired by his New York and London studio environments. Therefore, collectors, curators, and art lovers experienced a fully immersive entry into Bowling’s world.

Learning and Scholarship: Expanding Perspectives on Bowling’s Work

The exhibition is accompanied by a rich academic and educational program. It is the first of its kind at Hauser & Wirth Paris. This initiative reflects Bowling’s lifelong passion for learning and mentorship. A key moment will be the Study Day on 28 April 2025. Leading scholars will come together to explore topics such as Paint and Process, Atlantic Artmaking, and Bowling’s Modernism. This will be the first major academic event on Bowling since his 2019 Tate Britain retrospective.

In addition, the gallery will collaborate with the Frank Bowling Studio to host workshops. These sessions will welcome school pupils from across the Paris region. Led by Susi Sahmland and the Hauser & Wirth Learning team, the workshops will focus on creative engagement. As a result, they will make abstraction and material experimentation accessible to young audiences.

Visit “Frank Bowling. Collage” at Hauser & Wirth Paris

This landmark exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Bowling’s innovative collage techniques in Paris. Hauser & Wirth continues to expand its scholarly and public engagement. Therefore, “Frank Bowling. Collage” stands as a major cultural event.

Join us at Hauser & Wirth Paris. Discover the depth, vibrancy, and ingenuity of Bowling’s artistic practice. The exhibition is open to the public. Moreover, special programming throughout its run will further illuminate the artist’s life and work.

For more information, please visit Hauser & Wirth’s official website or contact the gallery. Guided tours and event details are available.