John Baldessari

John Baldessari (1931−2020) was a giant of contemporary art, whose codes he turned upside down. Known for his paintings combining art historical references with Hollywood film stills, he blurred visual boundaries and developed a complex narrative language tinged with humour.
The exhibition focuses on his work from the 1980s to the 2000s. It reveals the continued international relevance of his practice, including to generations born in the digital age.
The exhibition dedicated to his work at Bozar is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the subtleties of the avant-garde of the second half of the 20^th century, or wishes to enjoy powerful works laced with humorous touches.

What the press is saying
​“Not to be missed! Bozar is hosting a major retrospective honouring John Baldessari (1931 – 2020), the American giant of contemporary art.
​“The exhibition ​‘Parables, Fables and Other Tall Stories unveils a captivating panorama of his collages, texts and images that revolutionised visual storytelling. With humour, social criticism and subversion, this Californian master of conceptual art blurred the boundaries between visual arts and language […]”
Beaux-Arts Magazine
​“John Baldessari. Parables, Fables and Other Tall Stories” is the first major posthumous exhibition of his work: a homage to the artist’s groundbreaking appropriation of images and text; a generous teacher’s experimental practices; and ultimately an irreverent wit that infused his life and visionary oeuvre. ​”
The Bulletin