The exhibition “Where What Was”, first presented last winter at the Musem of modern and contemporary art of Saint-Etienne, features the latest sculptures of Paul Wallach and a selection of ancient works. Paul Wallach is one of the most singular sculptor of his generation. Born in the United States, the artist, who lives in France now, remained discreet for a long time. Drawing in space, his assemblages are deeply connected to regular questionsin the field of sculpture: equilibrium, emptyness, presence. It is the first important solo show of the artist in a French institution. On this occasion, a catalog is published.

The exhibition presented at the Domaine de Kerguéhennec will allow the visitor to fully grasp an exceptionnal work – rarely seen this past few years. In a chatty and strewn time, which encourages the proliferation of images and the rowdy sparkle of artefacts, we are invited to appreciate the concentrated, silent, even ascetic work of Paul Wallach – its visible poverty, the subtlety of the expression, the simplicity of the materials (pieces of wood, cloth, strings, glue and visible screws); the singular way they occupy the space more than they occupy the place; the quality of their shadows – almost white – that extend the sculptures, subtly carving the wall or the floor.

“When staying a long time in the studio, you reach the point where you are connected with yourself. It is this moment of extreme presence I want to fix. I want my sculptures to always keep this presence, they are pure presence.” Paul Wallach