CHILLIDA/BALENCIAGA: A MEETING OF GENIUSES AT THE CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA MUSEUM

At the juncture where sculpture and fashion converge, where art and elegance intertwine in a dance of shapes and textures, lies the fascinating dialogue between two titans of the 20th century: Eduardo Chillida and Cristóbal Balenciaga. Separated by decades and seemingly disparate disciplines, these two geniuses share more than just their Basque roots; they share a deep exploration of form, space, and philosophy.

The exhibition “Chillida/Balenciaga: Folding the Form” at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum commemorates the centenary of Chillida’s birth, offering a rare opportunity to contemplate more than forty works by these creators, fusing sculpture and fashion in a unique aesthetic embrace.

Cristóbal Balenciaga y Eduardo Chillida

Both artists, each in his own way, explore the essence of form and space. Chillida, with his monumental sculptures that defy gravity and the viewer, and Balenciaga, with his innovative creations that transformed 20th-century women’s fashion, share a commitment to purity of line and timeless elegance.

The exhibition reveals surprising links between the works of both artists. From the folds of a skirt to the curves of a Corten steel sculpture, invisible connections are highlighted that speak of these creators’ deep respect for matter and space.

Museography is conceived as a constellation where everything is linked, inviting the viewer to immerse himself or herself in a universe of organic shapes and pure lines. Light, like an invisible brush, shapes and transforms each work, revealing new layers of meaning and beauty.

The exhibition not only offers a visual feast but also a program of complementary activities that expand the visitor experience. From conferences and study days to dance performances inspired by the works of Chillida and Balenciaga, each event is an opportunity to delve deeper into the legacy of these two masters.

Ultimately, “Chillida/Balenciaga: Folding the Form” is more than an exhibition; it is a fascinating journey through the minds and hearts of two visionaries whose work continues to inspire and amaze the world. At this meeting of geniuses, we discover the eternal beauty that emerges when art and fashion come together in perfect harmony.