A Brotherhood in Genius – Alberto & Diego Giacometti

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Christie’s and HomeArt are delighted to present A Brotherhood in Genius – Alberto & Diego Giacometti, an extraordinary exhibition featuring a curated selection from the legendary sculptor and designer siblings, widely recognised as two of the most pivotal figures of twentieth- century art. It will be the first-ever showcase of the duo’s art in Asia and the latest in a series of groundbreaking collaborations between Christie’s and HomeArt, bringing the history of art to life in vivid style for art enthusiasts in Hong Kong and Asia.

To be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in conjunction with Christie’s 2023 Autumn Auctions, A Brotherhood in Genius will comprise over 35 works in bronze, plaster, and wood, spanning a half-century of artistic innovation. Painstakingly assembled over the past decades by some of the most important private collectors, this selection includes rare and unique pieces by Diego alongside a number of Alberto’s signature works. This exhibition showcases their work in dialogue, exemplifying their shared commitment to vivid silhouettes, complex patinas, and slender forms.

Growing up in a family that nurtured creativity, the Giacometti brothers developed a strong bond. Diego followed Alberto to Paris in the 1920s, becoming his studio assistant and muse. He played a crucial role in Alberto’s artistic process, managing tasks from creating armatures and bases for Alberto’s iconic skeletal figures to casting, patinating sculptures, and maintaining the studio. In turn, Alberto’s mentorship and introductions to affluent art patrons paved the way for Diego’s own success. This mutually beneficial partnership not only fostered their individual growth but also led to an impressive collaborative creative output.

Alberto was pivotal in Diego’s evolution into a prominent sculptor and designer, marked by a style that defies singular classification. Following Alberto’s passing in 1966, Diego dedicated himself entirely to his craft. Esteemed patrons such as the Mellon family and Hubert de Givenchy, along with prestigious institutions including the Chagall Museum in Nice, the Maeght Foundation, and the Picasso Museum in Paris, have all commissioned unique works from him.