Envol de formes géométriques

Envol de formes géométriques reflects Nadia Léger’s late exploration of abstraction, where geometry becomes a vehicle for movement, rhythm, and spatial expansion. Created in 1980 and woven in Aubusson by the Atelier Gisèle Glaudin-Brivet, the work embodies a synthesis of avant-garde composition and traditional French textile craftsmanship.

The composition is built from a dynamic arrangement of geometric forms—circles, linear elements, and blocks of saturated color—that appear to shift and rise across the surface. This sense of upward motion, suggested by the title’s reference to “flight,” gives the tapestry a distinct energy. Rather than remaining static, the forms interact in a continuous visual rhythm, guiding the eye through the composition in layered sequences.

Léger’s approach reflects the influence of Suprematism and Purism, visible in the clarity and precision of her forms. At the same time, the composition avoids rigidity through its use of color and spacing. Bold tones are balanced with open areas, allowing the design to breathe while maintaining structural cohesion. The result is a composition that feels both controlled and expansive.

The translation into wool enhances this effect. The woven surface introduces depth and softness, giving the geometric forms a tactile presence that contrasts with their sharp visual definition. Subtle variations in the weave allow light to interact with the surface, reinforcing the sense of movement embedded in the composition.

Produced in a limited edition of six and signed by the artist in the lower right corner, Envol de formes géométriques represents a refined example of Nadia Léger’s late work. It stands at the intersection of modern abstraction and the enduring legacy of Aubusson tapestry, where material and composition come together to create a work of lasting visual impact.