Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed @ Amar Gallery
The Amar Gallery has yet again provided the London art scene with a groundbreaking show, continuing its mission to highlight under-appreciated artists. This time, the works of Hélène de Beauvoir have adorned the walls of the gallery, to explore the relationship between the artist and her sister Simone and their fight for gender equality. The first ever solo exhibition of de Beauvoir’s work in London, the gallery has shone a light on an artist that should never have been forgotten.
‘Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed’ at the Amar Gallery. Photo Courtesy: Amar Gallery, © APP, Ute Achhammer
Simone de Beauvoir: a name known by anyone interested in gender equality. A trailblazer in feminist writings, nominated thrice for the Noble Prize in Literature, Simone was and is a highly renowned and recognised figure. However, hovering in the impressive shadow of her elder sister, is Hélène de Beauvoir; a name that is not so widely recognised. Hélène also fought for the feminist cause, but through a different medium than that of her sister—she explored women’s struggles through her art. She was an award-winning artist of the early twentieth century, and exhibited her works alongside Braque, Dali, and Picasso at the Galeries Jacques Bonjean—a Parisian gallery co-founded by Christian Dior. Having been involved in a circle that encapsulated some of the most influential and groundbreaking names of the twentieth century, it remains a mystery as to why she seems to now lack the widespread recognition she truly deserves.
Tucked away off Tottenham Court Road, lies the hidden gem of the Amar Gallery. A serene and intimate space brought alive by the vivid, captivating compositions of Hélène de Beauvoir. Her elegant watercolours, rendered with grace and precision, use single, flowing lines of delicate pigment to evoke the tranquillity of picturesque mountain scenes. Yet, it is her abstract oil paintings that truly steal the spotlight. Bright, bold shocks of colour vibrantly adorn the canvases, applied in thick impasto layers, while serpentine, gestural lines seem to have been scratched into the paint, leaving evidence of the artist's expressive and spontaneous hand.
‘Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed’ at the Amar Gallery. Photo Courtesy: Amar Gallery, © APP, Ute Achhammer.
This carefully curated exhibition ensures that Hélène's remarkable versatility is on full display. From the calculated geometric planes of Château en Alsace to the sparse, fluid lines of Paysage de Montagne, each piece invites the viewer to explore the diverse range of styles and emotions she captured over her career. The gallery’s design emphasises this diversity, curating works in an arrangement that is neither chronological nor organised by medium but instead creates a dialogue between them. A delicate watercolour harbour scene, washed in soft greens and blues, is placed beside Nu avec Cheval, a bold oil painting where powerful orange highlights punctuate the earthier tones of the composition. This juxtaposition celebrates the harmonious balance between Hélène’s quieter, more serene works and those bursting with dynamic energy, pushing aesthetics to the forefront of the exhibition.
‘Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed’ at the Amar Gallery. Photo Courtesy: Amar Gallery, © APP, Ute Achhammer.
A highlight of the exhibition is a first edition of The Woman Destroyed, Simone de Beauvoir’s pioneering book, a landmark work in the history of feminist literature. With only 143 first editions ever printed; this rare gem represents an extraordinary piece of literary history. Drawing visitors through the gallery, the book is thoughtfully placed against a mural, a striking etching of an angel. This is the work of Hélène de Beauvoir, who created 16 unique etchings for the book, making this collaboration between the two sisters a remarkable union of literature and visual art. Their combined effort showcases the powerful intersection of ideas, where Hélène’s evocative images bring a new depth and visual dimension to Simone's words. The presence of this book in the exhibition not only honours their individual contributions but also highlights the profound and enduring influence of their shared commitment to the feminist cause.
‘Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed’ at the Amar Gallery. Photo Courtesy: Amar Gallery, © APP, Ute Achhammer.
This gallery and its exhibition history, serves as a testament to its mission: to bring underappreciated artists to the forefront of the art world. Gallery owner, art dealer and activist, Amar Sigh stands as a key figure in the ongoing rejuvenation of art history, working tirelessly to ensure the inclusion of female artists who have long been overlooked. Alongside other notable philanthropists and writers, such as Katy Hessel with her groundbreaking book The Story of Art Without Men, significant strides are being made to reshape the narrative of art history, ensuring that the female perspective is no longer omitted or sidelined.
The art world and its market have long been fixated on the unjust representations and underrepresentation of female artists throughout history. However, thanks to galleries like Amar and exhibitions such as this one, the underappreciated works of immensely talented women are finally receiving the recognition and celebration they have long deserved. These efforts are crucial in highlighting the contributions of female artists, whose work has often been marginalized, while also inspiring future generations to continue pushing for a more inclusive and equitable art landscape. The movement to redefine art history is gaining momentum, and its impact is being felt across the world, slowly but surely changing the way we perceive and value the art of women.
Hélène de Beauvoir: A Woman Destroyed, is on display at the Amar Gallery until the 30th of March. To find out more about the Amar Gallery, visit their website.
Emilia Luders
Reviews Co-Editor, MADE IN BED