John Baldessari

19 Sept.'25 →
1 Feb.'26

Parables, Fables, and Other Tall Tales

John Baldessari (1931-2020) was a giant of contemporary art, whose codes he turned upside down. This autumn, Bozar is offering an essential insight into his work, a must for anyone wanting to grasp the subtleties of the avant-garde in the second half of the 20th century.

This exhibition is one of the first in Europe since his passing. It focuses more specifically on his work during the 1980s, which was also the decade of profound breakthroughs that saw the artist emancipate himself from convention. Known for his assemblages of cropped and colourised photos and films, Baldessari constantly blurred visual boundaries, questioning artistic practice and teaching. An influential artist on the contemporary art scene, he introduced a complex narrative tinged with humour, creating a new visual alphabet that influenced both North America and Europe. The exhibition will explore and illustrate the impact of his work, and its relevance to generations born in the digital age.

 

Campaign Image: John Baldessari, Arms and legs (specif, elbows & knees),etc, part (one) : arm and leg (with column) © John Baldessari 2007,Courtesy Estate of John Baldessari © 2025; Courtesy John Baldessari Family Foundation; Sprüth Magers

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John Baldessari, Pink Shape over Enrapted Figure (Near White Shape), Courtesy ©John Baldessari 1990. Courtesy John Baldessari Family Foundation

John Baldessari

John Baldessari, Money (Flesh)/Glider (Blue), Courtesy ©John Baldessari 1990. Courtesy John Baldessari Family Foundation © 2025 Courtesy Estate of John Baldessari ; Sprüth Magers ; Craig Robins Collection, Miami

John Baldessari

John Baldessari, The Duress Series, Person Holding on to Pole Attached to Exterior of Tall Building, Courtesy ©John Baldessari 2003. Courtesy John Baldessari Family Foundation © 2025 Courtesy Estate of John Baldessari ; Sprüth Magers ; Herbert Collection, Ghent

Groups & Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Secondary Education

Higher Education

19 Sept.'25 →
1 Feb.'26

John Baldessari – schools and associations (+12)

Interactive guided tours for schools, academies  and associations
All the information you need to prepare your guided tour →

Practical information

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Week of Monday 15th September to Sunday 21st September

Friday 19 September, 10:00 → 18:00

Saturday 20 September, 10:00 → 18:00

Sunday 21 September, 10:00 → 18:00

Location

BOZAR/Centre for Fine Arts

Rue Ravenstein 23 1000 BRUSSELS

Rates

Standard

€ 18

< 26 year

€ 13

Related events

See also

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Exhibitions

Two new exhibitions await: Berlinde De Bruyckere and When We See Us.

Partners

  • John Baldessari Family Foundation
  • Estate of John Baldessari & Sprüth Magers

Support