Bernar Venet is a Conceptual artist recognized for his mastery across various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, stage design, and musical composition. He emerged in the 1960s with innovative installations featuring loose materials such as gravel, coal, and asphalt, along with what he termed “industrial paintings” made from cardboard and tar. During this transformative period, he also opted to drop the final letter from his name, Bernard.
Influenced by Minimalist sculptors like Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, and Carl Andre, Venet began to focus on metal, creating both wall-mounted and freestanding sculptures. Among his most iconic works are the torch-cut steel plates and beams that evoke the appearance of scribbles, lines, and arcs. Venet articulates that his sculptures delve into the concept of “how metal resists,” representing a dialogue of strength—a continuous interplay between the artist and the material itself.