We had interviewed the renowned French artist Sophie Calle in 2020 for her exhibition Because at the Fraenkel Gallery and we are delighted to hear that she will be back in that same gallery from February to March to present her latest work. For over four decades, Calle has been creating deeply personal and evocative artworks that draw inspiration from her life experiences, transforming both public and private relationships into intimate narratives. This exhibition delves into themes of legacy and loss, showcasing Calle’s signature blend of humor and candor.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the U.S. debut of “catalogue raisonné of the unfinished,” a series that explores projects Calle conceptualized but never completed. Each piece in this series pairs fragments from these unfinished projects with Calle’s text, providing insights into why they were abandoned. The series includes a diverse range of materials, from photographs and handwritten notes to comic books, each stamped with a red mark indicating the reason for rejection. This collection offers a unique glimpse into Calle’s creative process and her ability to transform “dead ends” into compelling art.
Another notable series is “Picassos in lockdown,” which features photographs Calle took at the Musée National Picasso in Paris during the pandemic. These images capture the museum’s paintings covered for protection while it was closed, offering a ghostly and less intimidating presence of Picasso’s works. The series encourages viewers to recall the original paintings hidden beneath the protective coverings, adding a layer of intrigue and reflection on the absence and presence of art.
The exhibition also includes a selection of works that explore death and remembrance through Calle’s relationship with her parents. Pieces like “Autobiographies” and “Necrology” pair photographs with texts, often presented in frames or urn-like wooden boxes. These works address Calle’s own mortality with her characteristic honesty and wit, inviting viewers to contemplate how we remember and are remembered.
This exhibition marks Calle’s fifth show at Fraenkel Gallery since 1994 and includes a public reception with the artist on Saturday, March 1, from 2-4pm. It is a testament to her enduring creativity and her ability to turn personal experiences into universal narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Dates: February 27 to April 12, 2025
(Public reception with the artist on March 1st)
Address: Fraenkel Gallery -49 Geary Street, 4th Floor -San Francisco
More information here
