Bernar Venet creates large-scale site-specific installations, works of avant-garde performance art and other provocative pieces that have earned him a place among France’s most significant Conceptual artists. He is also known for his abstract and figurative drawings, as well as abstract sculptures.
Venet was born in 1941 in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southern France as Bernard Venet. In 1958, he attended EMAP Villa Thiole in Nice and decided to pursue an artistic career. Venet moved to New York City in 1961 and started to garner recognition for his monochromatic tar paintings and coal sculptures. It was during this period that he dropped the “d” from his first name.
In 1971, Venet took a break from making art and spent some time teaching art theory at the University of Paris. He decided to resume his artistic work in 1976 and showed his work the following year at Kassel, Germany’s “documenta 6,” a contemporary art exhibition that has featured the likes of Berenice Abbott, Diane Arbus, Willem de Kooning and others. Around this time, Venet pivoted to working with wood and created a series of reliefs called “Arcs, Angles and Straight Lines.” The National Endowment of the Arts recognized Venet with a grant in 1979.
The grant kicked off two decades of exhibitions throughout Europe, the United States, Asia and South America. To date, Venet has participated in more than 40 public sculpture exhibitions and created monumental installations in cities around the globe, including Berlin, Denver, Auckland, Geneva, Austin, Tokyo, Vancouver and more.
In 2005, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur awarded him with the highest order of merit in France. He was also awarded the International Sculpture Center Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture in 2016. Venet’s works are held in the collections of leading museums around the world including the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Centre Pompidou.
Venet lives and works between New York City and Le Muy.
On 1stDibs, find original Bernar Venet paintings, prints, sculptures and more.
Two Arcs of 236.5° Each
By Bernar Venet
Located in London, GB
A striking example of Bernar Venet’s iconic Arc series, Two Arcs of 236.5° Each (1988) embodies the artist’s rigorous exploration of mathematical form and controlled randomness. Exec...
Steel
$30,468Sale Price|20% Off
Indeterminate Line Etching by Bernar Venet, Limited Edition Artwork
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet, Indeterminate Line Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, Limited Edition Etching (Portfolio of 3) Edition of 60 94 x 102.9 cm (37 x 40.5 in) 94 x 110.5 cm (37 x 4...
Etching
$111,325
72.5° Arcs x9
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Black patina steel sculpture 70 x 43 x 30 cm Title engraved at base of work Archive number: bv03ss10 To achieve a flawless curve, 72.5° Arcs x9 is based on the fundamental principle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,500
Bernar Venet, Acute Uneven Angles (A), Gravure aquatint burnishing and Drypoint
By Bernar Venet
Located in New York, NY
Bernar Venet Acute Uneven Angles (A), 2016 Direct gravure, aquatint, burnishing and drypoint. Pencil signed and numbered 42 from the limited edition of 75 by the artist on the front ...
Etching, Aquatint, Engraving
Bernar Venet, Position of an Undetermined, Line, Minimalist lithograph signed/N
By Bernar Venet
Located in New York, NY
Bernar Venet Position of an Undetermined, Line, ca. 1979 Lithograph Hand signed and numbered 4/100 by the artist on the front 11 1/2 × 8 1/4 inches Unframed This lovely lithograph is...
Lithograph
$10,968Sale Price|27% Off
Effondrement - Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, White, Edition
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet, Effondrement Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, White, Edition Etching (Portfolio of 2) Edition of 40 76.2 x 94.9 cm (30 x 37...
Etching
Sit on Steel, European Minimalist poster, Hand Signed & Inscribed to Nadine
By Bernar Venet
Located in New York, NY
Bernar Venet Sit on Steel (Hand Signed & Inscribed), 1991 Offset lithograph poster. hand signed. dated. dedicated. Boldly signed, dated and inscribed in silver sharpie on the front 26 3/4 × 18 1/4 inches Unframed Rare vintage poster, hand signed and dedicated by Bernar Venet to the legendary sculptor Isaac Witkin...
Lithograph, Offset, Permanent Marker
$82,029
Bernar Venet Position of Three Undetermined Lines Charcoal and Collage on Paper
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
1984 Unique artwork Charcoal, cardboard, collage on paper Signed, dated and titled lower right Registered under the inventory number bv84d5 at Bernar Venet Studio 70.5 x 113.5 cm ...
Paper, Charcoal, Cardboard
$350
Bernar Venet Sculpture (Monograph - hand signed and inscribed to Kevin by Venet)
By Bernar Venet
Located in New York, NY
Bernar Venet Sculpture (Monograph - hand signed and inscribed), 2013 Lavishly illustrated hardback monograph with dust jacket (signed and inscri...
Paper, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker, Lithograph, Offset
Ligne droites – Dispersions
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
The artist's first and only tapestry, this woven work undeniably represents a major break in his practice, marking his desire to explore new territories. It is not a matter of retran...
Textile
$30,468Sale Price|22% Off
Two Indeterminate Lines - Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, Edition
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet, Two Indeterminate Lines Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, Edition Etching (Portfolio of 3) Edition of 50, plus 4 AP Edition number WHE 4/4 (World House Editio...
Etching
$23,812Sale Price|31% Off
Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines - Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet, Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching Etching (Portfolio of 6) Edition of 50 68.5 x 91 cm (27 x 35.7 in) Each is signed and numb...
Etching
$30,468Sale Price|20% Off
Arcs: Uneven Angles (Portfolio of 2) by Bernar Venet, Etchings, Limited edition
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet Arcs: Uneven Angles (Portfolio of 2) 2017 2 Etchings 202.5 × 134 cm (79.7 × 52.8 in) Signed and numbered Edition of 30 In mint condition Prints are offered unframed, ed...
Etching
$17,062Sale Price|20% Off
Grib - Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, Limited Edition, Portfolio
By Bernar Venet
Located in Zug, CH
Bernar Venet, Grib Contemporary, 21st Century, Etching, Black, Limited Edition, Portfolio Etching (Portfolio of 3) Edition of 60 72.4 cm x 109.6 cm ...
Etching
Price Upon Request
236.5˚ Arc x 4, Rolled Steel Sculpture by Bernar Venet
By Bernar Venet
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large indoor/outdoor welded iron sculpture by Bernar Venet circa 1990. An iconic modern art sculpture of iron with black patina, title stamped ...
Steel
$500
H 33.5 in W 25.5 in
Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue) /// Abstract Geometric Ellsworth Kelly
By Ellsworth Kelly
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) Title: "Fondation Maeght (Red, Yellow, Blue)" *Issued unsigned Year: 2005 Medium: Original Litho...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Piero Dorazio
Located in Summit, NJ
Gorgeous aquatint in reds and oranges by Piero Dorazio (Italian 1927-2005). This aquatint is on heavy "Umbria" Fabriano paper. It is signed and dated 1964 in the lower margin in penc...
Aquatint
Untitled (Diptych)
By Fred Sandback
Located in New York, NY
Fred Sandback was a minimalist conceptual-based sculptor known for his yarn sculptures, drawings, and prints. He majored in philosophy at Yale Universit...
Lithograph
$750
H 26 in W 20 in
Galerie Maeght /// Abstract Geometric Minimalist Ellsworth Kelly Colorfield Art
By Ellsworth Kelly
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) Title: "Galerie Maeght" Year: 1964 Medium: Original Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer...
Lithograph
$425
H 21 in W 29 in D 0.004 in
"October" Red and Blue Minimal Linear Print Edition 9 of 15
Located in Houston, TX
Red and blue linear print that is signed by Marianni. The work is similar to the style of famous artist Bernett Newman who painted strickly colorful paintings with a "zip" that broke...
Lithograph
1 Arc Vanity
By Allied Maker
Located in Glen Cove, NY
This hand-spun 8" dome is meticulously brushed and waxed to desired finish. The hand blown glass provides pleasant surface diffusion while also complimenting the light's overall form...
Brass
$656
H 7.76 in W 10.83 in D 0.04 in
The Horseshoe Etching and Watercolor Print, Signed, 1943, Contemporary
By Luigi Bartolini
Located in Roma, IT
The Horseshoe is an original artwork realized by the Italian artist Luigi Bartolini (1892-1963) in 1943. Etching and watercolor. Original title: Il ferro di cavallo Hand-signed, t...
Watercolor, Etching
$768
H 39.38 in W 82.68 in
Moonlight Ripples over Lake Como, Nautical Cyanotype Triptych of Moving Water
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These...
Photographic Film, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, Lithograph, Monotype,...
$600
H 25.75 in W 19.5 in
Galerie Maeght /// Abstract Geometric Ellsworth Kelly Minimalism Modern Paris
By Ellsworth Kelly
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) Title: "Galerie Maeght" Year: 1958 Medium: Original Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: ...
Lithograph
$2,500
H 5.5 in W 3 in D 2.25 in
The Lady maquette, replica of Chicago Picasso sculpture, American Bridge Company
By Pablo Picasso
Located in New York, NY
(After) Pablo Picasso The Lady (Maquette), ca. 1967 Mixed Media Sculpture edition Cor-ten Steel This maquette is based upon the original Chicago Picasso-a monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso in Chicago, Illinois. The sculpture, dedicated on August 15, 1967, in Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop...
Stone, Steel
Sonata, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Sonata Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper, signed and numbered in pencil, verso Edition: 250 Paper Size: 20.75 x 28.5 inc...
Lithograph
$568 / set
H 4.5 in W 4.75 in D 3.25 in
French Bronze Architectural Model Arc de Triomphe Paris Sacre-Couer Basilica
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely Stunning Grand Tour style Patinated Bronze chisel cast example of the architectural model of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, of compact proportions. Late Nineteenth early Tw...
Siena Marble, Brass, Bronze
Arches
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated AP 6/10 18.00 cm. x 15.00 cm. 7.09 in. x 5.91 in. (paper) 16.00 cm. x 13.00 cm. 6.3 in. x 5.12 in. (image) LCD6164
Lithograph
Acute Uneven Angles (A)
By Bernar Venet
Located in New York, NY
Bernar Venet Acute Uneven Angles (A), 2016 Direct gravure, aquatint, burnishing and drypoint. Pencil signed and numbered 27 from the limited edition of 75 by the artist on the front ...
Etching, Aquatint
Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Engraving, 2019 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 5/50 68.50 cm. x 91.00 cm. 26.97 in. x 35.83 in. (paper) 45.50 cm. x 69.00 cm. 17.91 in. x 27.17 in. (image) Bernar...
Engraving
Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Engraving, 2019 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 5/50 69.00 cm. x 91.00 cm. 27.17 in. x 35.83 in. (paper) 44.00 cm. x 69.50 cm. 17.32 in. x 27.36 in. (image) Bernar...
Engraving
Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 2004 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 4/40 50.00 cm. x 65.00 cm. 19.69 in. x 25.59 in. (paper) 29.00 cm. x 43.50 cm. 11.42 in. x 17.13 in. (image) LCD5400
Lithograph
No title
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1996 Handsigned by the artist in pencil LCD5363
Silk
Arche
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated AP 3/10 18.00 cm. x 15.00 cm. 7.09 in. x 5.91 in. (paper) 16.00 cm. x 13.00 cm. 6.3 in. x 5.12 in. (image) Artist proof ...
Lithograph
Three indeterminate lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Etching and aquatint, 2008 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 9/30 38.00 cm. x 34.50 cm. 14.96 in. x 13.58 in. (paper) 25.00 cm. x 23.50 cm. 9.84 in. x 9.25 in. (image...
Etching, Aquatint
Indeterminate line
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 2003 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 61/90 25.50 cm. x 33.50 cm. 10.04 in. x 13.19 in. (paper) 24.50 cm. x 32.50 cm. 9.65 in. x 12.8 in. (image) LCD5208
Lithograph
Lignes indéterminées
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1987 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated "Essai avec marques" LCD4961
Lithograph
Random Combination of Indeterminate Lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Engraving, 2019 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 19/50 68.50 cm. x 91.00 cm. 26.97 in. x 35.83 in. (paper) 45.00 cm. x 69.00 cm. 17.72 in. x 27.17 in. (image) The ar...
Engraving
Random combination of indeterminate lines
By Bernar Venet
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 2004 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 3/40 50.00 cm. x 65.00 cm. 19.69 in. x 25.59 in. (paper) 28.00 cm. x 43.00 cm. 11.02 in. x 16.93 in. (image) LCD480...
Lithograph