Bernard Aubertin

Bernard Aubertin was born in Fontenay-aux-Roses in 1934, and from a young age, he approached the world of art by attending the State School of Decoration. In parallel, he dedicated himself to the study of Futurism and Cubism as a self-taught individual, demonstrating a deep curiosity towards artistic avant-gardes. The year 1957 represents a crucial moment in his career: the meeting with Yves Klein prompted him to explore the concept of monochromy, beginning an artistic production dominated by the color red. The choice of red is not accidental for Bernard Aubertin. This color represents for him light, fire, vital energy. With the series Rouge Total, Aubertin inaugurates an artistic path that focuses on the essence of color and its symbolic power. In the following years, he expanded his repertoire with the famous series Tableaux Feu, Tableaux Clous, and Parcours d’Allumettes. These monochrome works, enriched with materials such as nails, wire, and matches, reflect his desire to transform painting into a multisensory experience.

In the 1960s, Aubertin introduced fire as a creative element. His performances, in which matches are lit directly on the canvases, highlight the role of the combustion process as an artistic act. This gesture not only destroys but creates new forms, symbolizing a continuous rebirth. Bernard Aubertin's works, in fact, are not just the final result but the fruit of an evolution that involves the viewer in a dynamic and immersive experience.
Since 1962, Bernard Aubertin has become one of the founding members of the Zero movement, an international collective that includes artists such as Heinz Mack, Otto Piene, and Lucio Fontana. With the Zero movement, Aubertin shares the vision of a pure and minimalist art, free from psychological and narrative references. His red works embody the energy and vibration characteristic of the movement, contributing to redefining the concept of contemporary art.
Between the '80s and '90s, Aubertin further expanded his artistic language with performances in which he set fire to objects like pianos and cars, transforming them into symbols of energy and transformation. In the last years of his career, the artist abandoned red to explore new colors such as white, black, and gold, while keeping his exploration of the essence of art intact. Bernard Aubertin died in 2015, leaving behind an artistic legacy that continues to inspire and fascinate.

Bernard Aubertin prices

Bernard Aubertin's works are increasingly appreciated in the art market, with a steady rise in prices. His red monochrome works, such as the canvases from the Tableaux Feu series, can reach significant figures, especially at major international auction events. The unique performances that accompany many of his creations further enhance the value of his works.
The prices of Bernard Aubertin vary depending on the series and the period. The most iconic works, such as those made with matches or wire, tend to attract greater interest from collectors. On average, a medium-sized work can be sold between 5,000 and 50,000 euros, with some large or particularly significant works exceeding these figures. The combination of an innovative technique and a connection with the Zero movement makes Bernard Aubertin a particularly interesting artist for art investors.

Bernard Aubertin quotes

The quotations of Bernard Aubertin have shown a steady growth in recent decades. His affiliation with the Zero movement and the originality of his works contribute to keeping the focus on his work high. The most sought-after works, such as those from the Tableaux Feu and Parcours d’Allumettes series, are often featured in international auctions, with results that demonstrate strong interest from collectors and gallery owners.
The prices of Bernard Aubertin are also influenced by the rarity of the works available on the market. The works created during the 1960s and 1970s, in particular, represent the most appreciated periods, with prices reflecting the historical importance of these productions. Furthermore, the increase in retrospectives and exhibitions dedicated to the artist in recent years has helped to consolidate his value in the international art scene.
Today, purchasing a work by Bernard Aubertin is not just an investment in a piece of art, but also a tribute to an artist who revolutionized the concept of monochrome and the relationship between art and matter.