Vers le jour

Emile Gilioli
Vers le jour
Collection: Modern Tapestry
Dimensions: 65 x 55 in. (140 x 165 cm)
Material: Wool tapestry woven in Aubusson by Atelier Picaud
Artist signature: Gilioli
Date: 1970
Serial: 2/5

Emile Gilioli “Vers le jour” Tapestry
The “Vers le jour” (Towards the Day) tapestry, created by the renowned French artist Emile Gilioli and woven by the illustrious Picaud atelier of Aubusson, France, is a mesmerizing embodiment of Gilioli’s profound artistic vision and the tapestry weaving tradition’s enduring craftsmanship.

Emerging from humble beginnings as a son of Italian shoemakers in Paris, Emile Gilioli would ascend to the pinnacle of post-war abstract sculpture. His early years in Italy instilled in him a passion for craftsmanship, as he delved into the art of blacksmithing, a skill that would shape his sculptural approach.

Seeking formal training in sculpture, Gilioli enrolled at the prestigious Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1931. However, the onset of World War II disrupted his artistic pursuits, leading to his mobilization and relocation to Grenoble. This period of upheaval proved to be a catalyst for Gilioli’s artistic transformation.

Exposed to a diverse range of artistic influences, Gilioli shed the constraints of academicism and embraced a minimalist aesthetic. His sculptures became embodiments of simplicity and purity, devoid of superfluous ornamentation. Upon his return to Paris in 1945, this artistic evolution had taken firm root.

Gilioli’s artistic trajectory led him further into the realm of non-figurative sculpture, where he found kindred spirits in the likes of Vasarely, Brancusi, Deyrolle, and Poliakoff. Together, they explored the boundless frontiers of abstract expression, breaking free from traditional forms and embracing the raw power of pure form.

Gilioli actively engaged with the vibrant Parisian art scene, exhibiting his work at renowned galleries such as Denise René, Louis Carré, and Dina Vierny. His sculptures adorned the walls of prestigious salons like the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles and the Salon de Mai, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in the post-war art world.

Beyond his sculptural creations, Gilioli made significant contributions to the art community. He played a pivotal role in founding the Salon de la Jeune Sculpture and served as vice-president of the Espace group, alongside luminaries like André Bloc, Fernand Léger, and Le Corbusier. These endeavors further solidified his standing as a visionary force in the post-war art landscape.