Hauser & Wirth

Louise Bourgeois

Photo: Mark Setteducati © The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Born in France in 1911, and working in America from 1938 until her death in 2010, Louise Bourgeois is recognized as one of the most important and influential artists of our time. For over seven decades, Bourgeois’s creative process was fueled by an introspective reality, often rooted in cathartic re-visitations of early childhood trauma and frank examinations of female sexuality. Articulated by recurrent motifs (including body parts, houses and spiders), personal symbolism and psychological release, the conceptual and stylistic complexity of Bourgeois’s oeuvre—employing a variety of genres, media and materials—plays upon the powers of association, memory, fantasy, and fear.

Bourgeois’s work is inextricably entwined with her life and experiences: fathoming the depths of emotion and psychology across two- and three-dimensional planes of expression. ‘Art,’ as she once remarked in an interview, ‘is the experience, the re-experience of a trauma.’ Arising from distinct and highly individualized processes of conceptualization, Bourgeois's multiplicity of forms and materials enact a perpetual play: at once embedding and conjuring emotions, only to dispel and disperse their psychological grasp. Employing motifs, dramatic colors, dense skeins of thread, and vast variety of media, Bourgeois's distinctive symbolic code enmeshes the complexities of the human experience and individual introspection.

Rather than pursuing formalist concerns for their own sake, Bourgeois endeavored to find the most appropriate means of expressing her ideas and emotions, combining a wide range of materials—variously, fabric, plaster, latex, marble and bronze—with an endless repertoire of found objects. Although her oeuvre traverses the realms of painting, drawing, printmaking, and performance, Bourgeois remains best known for her work in sculpture.

Bourgeois’s early works include her distinct 'Personages' from the late 1940s and early 1950s; a series of free-standing sculptures which reference the human figure and various urban structures, including skyscrapers. The ‘Personages’ served as physical surrogates for the friends and family Bourgeois had left behind in France, while also highlighting an interest in architecture dating back to her childhood. Her installation of these sculptures as clustered ‘environments’ in 1949 and 1950 foreshadowed the immersive encounters of installation art twenty years before the genre’s rise to prominence.

Bourgeois’s work was included in the seminal exhibition ‘Eccentric Abstraction,’ curated by Lucy Lippard for New York's Fischbach Gallery in 1966. Major breakthroughs on the international scene followed with The Museum of Modern Art in New York's 1982 retrospective of her work; Bourgeois's participation in Documenta IX in 1992; and her representation of the United States at the 45th Venice Biennale in 1993.

In 2001, Bourgeois was the first artist commissioned to fill the Tate Modern’s cavernous Turbine Hall. The Tate Modern’s 2007 retrospective of her works, which subsequently traveled to the Centre Pompidou in Paris; The Guggenheim Museum in New York; The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles; and The Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C., cemented her legacy as a foremost grande dame of late Modernism.

Header image: Louise Bourgeois, ARCHED FIGURE, 1993 © The Easton Foundation/VAGA, NY, Photo: Christopher Burke

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Selected Artworks

Installation view, ‘Louise Bourgeois. Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day,’ Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

2023

Installation View, ‘Louise Bourgeois. Once there was a mother,’ Hauser & Wirth 18th Street

2023

Installation View, ‘The God that Failed. Louise Bourgeois, Barnett Newman, Mark Rothko,’ Hauser & Wirth Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse

2023

Installation View, ‘The God that Failed. Louise Bourgeois, Barnett Newman, Mark Rothko,’ Hauser & Wirth Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse

2023

Installation view, ‘Louise Bourgeois: Paintings,’ The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

2022

Installation view, Louise Bourgeois, Hauser & Wirth Menorca, Menorca, Spain

2021

Installation view, ‘Louise Bourgeois x Jenny Holzer. The Violence of Handwriting Across a Page,’ Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland

2022

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Biography

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Born

Paris, France, 1911

Education

Studied at the Lycée Fénelon, Paris, France, 1921 – 1927

Studied Mathematics at the Sorbonne, Paris, France, 1932 – 35

Studied at the École du Louvre, Paris, France, 1935 – 36

Studied at the Atelier Roger Bissière de l‘Académie Ranson, Paris, France, 1936 – 1937

Studied at the Académie d‘Espagnat, Paris, France, 1936 – 1937

Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts with Devambez and Colarossi, Paris, France, 1936 – 38

Studied at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière with Othon Friesz and Wlérick, Paris, France, 1937 – 38

Studied at the Académie Julian, Paris, France, 1938

Studied at the Académie Scandinavie with Charles Despiau, Paris, France, 1938

Worked in the Atelier of Fernand Léger, Paris, France, 1938

Moved to New York NY, 1938

Art Students League with Vaclav Vytlacil, New York NY, 1938 – 39

Atelier 17, New York NY, 1946

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Selected Solo Exhibitions

2025

Hauser & Wirth, 'Louise Bourgeois. Soft Landscape', Central, Hong Kong

Fubon Art Museum, 'Louise Bourgeois. I have been to hell and back and let me tell you it was wonderful', Taipei City, Taiwan (Traveling Exhibition)

Hoam Art Museum, 'Louise Bourgeois. I have been to hell and back and let me tell you it was wonderful', Seoul, South Korea (Traveling Exhibition)
The Courtauld, 'Louise Bourgeois: Drawings from the 1960s', London, UK

2024

Mori Art Museum, 'Louise Bourgeois: I have been to hell and back. And let me tell you, it was wonderful', Minato, Japan (Traveling Exhibition)
Compton Verney, 'ARTIST ROOMS. Louise Bourgeois', Warwickshire, UK
Studio Trisorio, 'Rare Language', Naples, Italy
Museo Novecento, 'Do Not Abandon Me', Florence, Italy
Galleria Borghese, 'Louise Bourgeois. Unconscious Memories', Rome, Italy

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Group Exhibitions

2025

The FLAG Art Foundation, 'A Rose Is', New York NY
Pace Gallery, 'The Monster', Los Angeles CA
Centraal Museum, 'Good Mom / Bad Mom. Unraveling the Mother Myth', Utrecht, Netherlands

James Fuentes, 'Giant Women on New York', New York NY

2024

Freud Museum London, 'Women & Freud: Patients, Pioneers, Artists', London, UK
The Museum of Modern Art, 'Vital Signs: Artists and the Body', New York NY
MUMOK, 'Medardo Rosso. Inventing Modern Sculpture', Vienna, Austria
Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, 'Sculpture in Stone', Barcelona, Spain
The National Museum of Art, Osaka, 'Collection 2. Body–––Body', Osaka, Japan

Sheldon Art Museum, 'Unprecedented: Art in Times of Crisis', Lincoln NE  

Barbican Art Gallery, 'Unravel. The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art', London UK

The Warehouse, 'For What It’s Worth: Value Systems in Art since 1960', Dallas TX

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Long-term or Permanent Installations

2017

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, ‘Phase III expansion, Building 6: Louise Bourgeois’, North Adams MA

Harvard Business School, ‘Public Art Installations’, Boston MA

Awards & Grants

2007

Österreichisches Ehrenzeichen für Wissenschaft und Kunst (Austrian Honour Medal for Science and Arts)

2002

Wolf Foundation Prize in the Arts (Painting and Sculpture), Wolf Foundation, Israel

Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, University of Illinois, Champaign IL

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Bibliography

Monographs

2024

Manabu, Yahagi, Yukiko, Fujimoto (eds.), 'Louise Bourgeois. I have been to hell and back. And let me tell you, it was wonderful.', Tokyo/JP: Mori Art Museum/Bijutsu Shuppan-sha Co., Ltd., 2024, ill. (exh. cat.)
Cappelletti, Francesca, Perrone, Cloé, Leardi, Geraldine (et al.), 'Louise Bourgeois. Unconscious Memories', Rome: Galleria Borghese, 2024, ill. (exh. cat.)

2023

Paton, Justin (ed.), 'Louise Bourgeois: Has the day invaded the night or has the night invaded the day?', Sydney: Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2023, ill. (exh. cat.)
Rollig, Stella, Fellner, Sabine, Hofer, Johanna (eds.), 'Louise Bourgeois. Persistent Antagonism', Cologne: Buchhandlung Walther König, Vienna: Belvedere, 2023, ill. (exh. cat.)

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Artist's books & writings

1998

Bernadac, Marie-Laure, Obrist, Hans-Ulrich, ‘Destruction of the Father. Reconstruction of the Father. Writings and Interviews 1923-1997’, London: Violette Editions, 1998

1994

Bourgeois, Louise, ‘Album’, New York: Peter Blum, 1994

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Publications

2024

Yoko, Iwasaki, Nami, Yamabana (eds.), 'Selected Works from the Collection of the Pola Museum of Art', Hakone: Pola Museum of Art, Pola Art Foundation, 2024, pp. 158-159, ill.
Zuckerman, Heidi, 'Why Art Matters. The Bearable Lightness of Being', Costa Mesa CA: OCMA Press, 2024, p. 381, ill.
Murphy, Maia, Clark, Olivia, Flint, Charlotte (eds.), 'Great Women Sculptors', New York: Phaidon, 2024, p. 50, ill.

2023

Kothe, Juliet, von Stosch, Natanja (eds.), 'Boobs in the Arts. Female Bodies in Pictorial History', Berlin: Distanz Verlag, 2023, pp. 36-37, ill.
Gumpert, Lynn, Bricker Balken, Debra, 'Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France', New York: Grey Art Gallery, New York University, 2023, frontispiece, pp. 33, 230, 262, ill. (exh. cat.)
Troncy, Eric, FitzGerald, Michael, 'El eco de Picasso', Málaga: Museo Picasso Málaga, 2023, pp. 60-61, 183, ill. (exh. cat.)
National Museum of Women in the Arts (ed.), 'National Museum of Women in the Arts Collection Highlights', Munich: Hirmer, 2023, pp. 22-23, ill.
Packard, Cassie, 'Art Rules. How Great Artists Think, Create and Work', London: Frances Lincoln, 2023, pp. 158-159, ill.

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Press

2025

___, 'Abstract Erotic: Louise Bourgeois, Eva Hesse, Alice Adams - New Exhibition at The Courtauld', on: alt-africa.com, 17 April, 2025

___, 'Giant spider sculpture by artist Louise. Bourgeois’ first large-scale solo exhibition in Taiwan lands at Fubon Museum of Art! 3 major theme areas lead you into the most important artistic creations of the 20th and 21st centuries', on: travelerluxe.com, 15 April 2025, ill.

Ka Yan. Leung, 'Louise Bourgeois, a legendary artist, is exhibiting a solo exhibition in Hong Kong: a journey of self-redemption spanning many years', on: hk01.com, 25 March 2025, ill.

Siu-pan, Ho, 'Interview with Louise Bourgeois, exhibition curator 'She describes herself as a lonely long-distance runner'' [interview], on: theculturist.hk, 10 April 2025, ill.

Lam, Karrie, 'The Best Art Exhibitions To See in Hong Kong This April', on: voguehk.com, 9 April 2025, ill.

Brida, Giuliana, Kern, Katie, 'Headed to Art Basel Hong Kong? You Need to Make Time for the City’s 13 Can’t-Miss Exhibitions', on: culturedmag.com, 24 March 2025, ill.

Chak, Ashlyn, 'A softer side to spider sculptor Louise Bourgeois', in: South China Morning Post, Hong Kong, April 2025, ill.

___, 'Louise Bourgeois At Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong', on: hubemag.com, April 2025, ill.

Nair, Uma, 'Art Basel Hong Kong’s carnival of compositions', on: timesofindia.com, 1 April 2025, ill.

Yiping, Lin, ''There are islands of silence in the midst of torture' — Bourgeois in Hong Kong', on: mp.weixin.qq.com, 30 March 2025, ill.

Chiang, Karen, 'Show time: Unmissable exhibitions to keep you cultured this week', in: South China Morning Post, Sunday Post Magazine, Hong Kong, March 2025, p. 14, ill.

Movius, Lisa, McGivern, Hannah, 'Must-see shows during Art Basel Hong Kong', on: theartnewspaper.com, 28 March 2025, ill.

Zhaobin, He, 'Louise Bourgeois: Artists are just poor devils', on: lj.hkej.com, 28 March 2025, ill.

Papotti, Beatrice, 'Otto mostre in galleria da non perdere durante Art Basel Hong Kong', on: exibart.com, 28 March 2025, ill.

Silverman, Erica, 'Best Hong Kong Shows: Louise Bourgeois, Sin Wai Kin, Yoan Capote, and More', on: whitewall.art, 24 Mach 2025, ill.

Yan, Leung Ka, 'Louise Bourgeois, a legendary artist, is exhibiting a solo exhibition in Hong Kong: a journey of self-redemption spanning many years', on: hk01.com, 25 March 2025, ill.

Clark, Ashlyn, 'Spider sculptor Louise Bourgeois’ inner world revealed in Hong Kong exhibition', on: scmp.com, 24 March 2025, ill.

Xiangyi, Li, 'The legendary 'Mother of Spiders' Bourgeois' solo exhibition, which was born in pain, will be held at the end of March', on: orangenews.hk, 20 March 2025, ill.

Xiao-Xiao, Yan, 'Louise. Spiritual landscape and emotional tension in Bourgeois' works: Philip, curator of the Easton Foundation. Larrett Smith Interview', on: artouch.com, 8 March 2025, ill.

Ku, Amber, 'The exhibition that caused a sensation in Tokyo is coming to Taiwan: Enter the artistic universe of 'Spider Granny' Louise Bourgeois!', on: popbee.com, 18 March 2025, ill.

Yan, Xiaoxiao, 'Louise Bourgeois A Runaway Girl and Her Action to Repair: Giving Form to Spiritual Life', in: Artco Magazine, Taiwan, no. 390, March 2025, pp. 050-057, ill.

Clark, Madelaine, 'Top Five Exhibitions to See This Art Month', in: Prestige Magazine, Hong Kong, March 2025, p. 37, ill.

___,'Louise Bourgeois. Mori Art Museum', in: Style Chosun, Seoul, March 2025,

___, 'Exhibitions', in: The Art Journal, Beijing, issue 122, Jan & Feb 2025, p. 25, ill.

Carbone, Marlo, 'The Hills Are Alive', in: Prestige Magazine, Hong Kong, December 2024, p. 137, ill.

Kong, Jaz, 'Masters of Art', in: #Legend Magazine, Hong Kong, March 2025, pp. 146-147, ill.

Lo, Zabrina, 'Louise Bourgeois’ second solo show in Hong Kong explores motherhood, womanhood and the artist' posthumous legacy', on: tatlerasia.com, 18 March 2025, ill.

Westall, Mark, 'Abstract Erotic: Louise Bourgeois, Eva Hesse, Alice Adams - New Exhibition', on: fadmagazine.com, 18 March 2025, ill.

Thalberg, Lisbeth, 'Louise Bourgeois Exhibition 'Soft Landscape' at Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong', on: martincid.com, 18 March 2025, ill.

Cascone, Sarah, 'How Women Artists Reclaim Power From Unease—See 5 Works From a New Show', on: news.artnet.com, 14 March 2025, ill.

Xiao-Xiao, Yan, 'Louise Bourgeois A Runaway Girl and Her Action to Repair: Giving Form to Spiritual Life', on: artouch.com, 7 March 2025, ill.

Chow, Vivienne, 'This Remote 'Art Forest' Aims to Reshape Thailand’s Cultural Landscape', on: news.artnet.com, 9 March 2025, ill.

___, 'Khao Yai Art Forest, arte contemporanea in una foresta: succede in Tailandia', on: Napoli.repubblica.it, 10 February 2025, ill.

Montagnoli, Livia, 'Tate Modern fa 25 anni. Anche il Ragno di Louise Bourgeois torna a casa per il compleanno del museo', on: artribune.com, 3 February 2025, ill.

Yoo, Seon-ae, 'The Terrible and Beautiful Landscapes of the Mind | Interview with Philippe Larat Smith, Advisory Curator for Louise Bourgeois's Solo Exhibition', on: marieclairekorea.com, 10 January 2025, ill.


___, 'Comprehensive overview of Louise Bourgeois's practice on view in Tokyo', on: artdaily.com, 8 January 2025, ill.

2024

Antonietti, Téa, 'L’araignée géante “Maman” de Louise Bourgeois reprend ses quartiers au Tate Modern de Londres, 25 ans après', on: harpersbazaar.fr, 19 December 2024, ill.
Zheng, Yutong, '"I came back from hell and tell you it was wonderful." Louise. Bourgeois World Tour Exhibition Now Opening in Tokyo', on: artouch.com, 18 December 2024, ill.
Harris, Gareth, 'Louise Bourgeois's mammoth spider will return to the Tate Modern for the gallery's 25th anniversary', on: theartnewspaper.com, 12 December 2024, ill.
Frankel, Eddy, 'Tate Modern is bringing back its giant spider to celebrate its 25th birthday', on: timeout.com, 10 December 2024, ill.
Kaszubowska, Joanna, 'Louise Bourgeois in 5 Artworks: Creepy, Crawly, and Brilliant', on: dailyartmagazine.com, 25 November 2024, ill.
HG Masters, 'The Year of Blockbusters at Art Week Tokyo 2024', on: artasiapacific.com, 25 November 2024, ill.
Higa, Akino, 'Exploring Bourgeois’s Trauma, Relationships in Tokyo Exhibition', on: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp, 21 October 2024, ill.
Heinrich, Will, 'Louise Bourgeois', in: The New York Times, New York, 29 September 2023, p. C10, ill.
Lesauvage, Magali, 'Louise Bourgeois dans le rouge', on: lequotidiendelart.com, 13 October 2024, ill.
Murratzu, Elena, 'The Art of Unraveling Pain', on: nastymagazine.com, 11 October 2024, ill.
Aono, Naoko, 'The first large-scale exhibition in 27 years is being held, dissecting the world of Louise Bourgeois' work', on: harpersbazaar.com, 30 September 2024, ill.
Goto, Minami, 'Louise Bourgeois exhibition opens at Mori Art Museum. A report on the large-scale solo exhibition of an artist who thoroughly confronts and continues to express her own pain and emotions', on: tokyoartbeat.com, 25 September 2024, ill.

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Audiovisuals

2005

3sat, ‘kulturzeit extra “Louise Bourgeois”’, Nina & Klaus Sohl, 28 December 2005 (portrait)

1997

‘Travaux en cours’, Brigitte Cornand, Film du Siamois

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Exhibitions

Films

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Louise Bourgeois: Drawing Intimacy 1939 – 2010

Louise Bourgeois. The Red Sky, Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles

Events

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