Bernar Venet, born in 1941 in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, France, is a prominent French conceptual artist and sculptor known for his exploration of mathematical and scientific concepts through minimalist and industrial forms. Venet is widely recognized for his large-scale steel sculptures, particularly his iconic Indeterminate Lines and Arcs, which have been installed in public spaces around the world. His work emphasizes the relationship between art, science, and mathematics, often challenging viewers to reflect on the purity of form, balance, and scale.
Venet began his artistic career in the 1960s and quickly gained attention for his groundbreaking approach to sculpture and conceptual art. His early works explored materials like tar and coal, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. In the 1970s, Venet shifted toward more scientific and mathematical themes, producing sculptures and installations that use geometric lines and arcs to create powerful visual impact. His work is often characterized by its simplicity and monumentality, engaging with both public and private spaces in a way that makes the viewer acutely aware of the structures around them.