Exihibition Catalogue
Galerie Lahumière, Paris, France
Year: 2008
Texts: Serge Lemoine
Languages: Francaise, English, Deutsch
53pp. | 21x28cm.
Publisher: Éditions Lahumière
The catalogue Auguste Herbin et son cercle, published by Éditions Lahumière in 2008, offers a focused exploration of the artistic milieu surrounding the pioneer of geometric abstraction Auguste Herbin. With a preface by Serge Lemoine, former director of the Musée d’Orsay, the volume presents thirty-four colour reproductions accompanied by texts in French, German, and English.
From an editorial standpoint, the catalogue adopts a material format characteristic of Lahumière publications: it is produced as a set of loose sheets gathered in a folder. Positioned between a portfolio and a conventional book, this format—frequently used by the gallery—allows each reproduction to be approached almost as an independent plate. Such a presentation reflects a long-standing publishing tradition associated with the dissemination of abstract and concrete art, in which the autonomy of the artwork is carefully preserved.
The catalogue situates Herbin within the broader network of artists who contributed to the development of geometric abstraction in the twentieth century. A founding figure of the movement and a central member of the group Abstraction-Création, Herbin played a crucial role in establishing a visual language based on pure form and colour. His mature work, structured through rigorous geometric compositions and a systematic use of colour, reflects a search for a universal pictorial order.
The selection of reproductions illustrates both the clarity of Herbin’s abstract vocabulary and the richness of the artistic circle that surrounded him. Through these works, the publication evokes the intellectual and artistic environment in which geometric abstraction evolved, highlighting the dialogue between artists committed to a constructive approach to painting.
The accompanying text by Serge Lemoine provides historical context while emphasizing the lasting influence of Herbin’s theoretical and artistic contributions. By situating the artist within a broader constellation of practitioners, the catalogue sheds light on the collective dimension of the movement and the shared pursuit of a new visual language grounded in structure, harmony, and chromatic intensity.
Despite its concise format, Auguste Herbin et son cercle (2008) stands as a carefully conceived editorial publication. True to the spirit of Éditions Lahumière, it combines scholarly insight, graphic clarity, and a loose-leaf presentation that underscores the independence of each image. The result is a sober and elegant catalogue that reflects the gallery’s enduring commitment to the history and legacy of geometric abstraction.