Le Corbusier – The Art of Architecture
19 February 2009 to 24 May 2009
Barbican Art Gallery
Level G, Barbican Centre
Silk Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
The Art of Architecture spans a period of 60 years, starting with Le Corbusier's early works such as the iconic white cubic buildings of the 1920s, inspired by his native Switzerland.
The exhibition culminates in Le Corbusier's late works of the 1950s and 60s, including the Chapel of Ronchamp (1950-55) and the buildings for the Indian city of Chandigarh (1952-64).
Highlights include a monumental mural painting by Le Corbusier from his office in Paris Femme et coquillage IV (1948); a complete original kitchen by Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand from his famous Unité d’habitation, Marseille (1947-50); and a reconstruction of his utopian masterplan for Paris (1925).
Focusing on Le Corbusier’s unique multi-disciplinary approach, the exhibition brings together a wealth of material, including:
- Original architectural models and interior settings
- Paintings
- Films
- Sculpture and books
- Vintage photographs
It also features important works by Le Corbusier's collaborators and artistic contemporaries such as furniture designers Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé, and artist Fernand Léger.