50 yrs ago: Siri’s first Solo Exhibition
Siri Berg, “La Ronde [SBE0099],” 1972, Acrylic on Masonite (seven parts), Overall: 12 x 84 in (30.5 x 213.4 cm) Collection of the Estate of Siri Berg, New York
In her first solo exhibition, which opened 50 yrs ago this year at Phoenix Gallery (939 Madison Avenue, New York), the artist Siri Berg exhibited a new series of paintings titled La Ronde. The exhibition was curated by Bruno Palmer-Poroner, the director of the gallery. Download the original press release here.
Inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s controversial play of the same title where one character from each of the seven stories passes to the next, winding up in a circle when the last person meets the first, Berg’s compositions feature a seven-part series of circles in color—one work leads into the next in a harmonizing tone.
In a review of the exhibition in Arts Magazine, Andrea Mikotajuk, interprets Berg’s conceptual approach:
Berg's paintings share this idea, with each set beginning and ending in the same color. A series of a basic seven may add more (or less units, may run vertically, horizontally, turn corners, go from wall to ceiling or vice versa) […] The flexibility of the pieces in the show are a part of their attraction, along with the way they are mounted, free floating from the wall. Their environments play an important part in the total effect. Also the space between each one is an integral part of each set, since it is the space that creates the circles; without the space between, there are no circles.
In the La Ronde Series in particular, we see Berg playing with the subtle spectrum of modulating shades starting at the center of the composition and moving outwards in equal directions. We also see Berg’s awareness of the environment as the space between each work is integral as they are hung, free-floating on the wall. As per the artist, “The space makes the circle. Without the space there is no circle.”
It was through the development of this series that Berg established the basic units of color, shade, and form—concepts she would continue to explore throughout her career.
The La Ronde Series later evolved into another series Phases and Cycles—a further exploration of circle.
Siri Berg at Phoenix Gallery with “La Ronde," September 1972. Photographer unknown.
