Étienne Béothy, a prominent name in the world of European avant-garde art, was born in 1897 in Heves, Hungary, and later became a significant figure in Paris’s thriving art scene. His journey to becoming a leading artist in the abstraction movement began with his early alignment with Lajos Kassák’s MA (Today) group, a collective that promoted new international artistic tendencies in Hungary. However, political upheavals in Hungary led Béothy to relocate to Vienna and then to Paris in 1925, a city that would become his permanent home and a hub for his artistic endeavors.
In Paris, Béothy became a founding member of the Abstraction-Création group, which included other notable artists like Fernand Léger, Piet Mondrian, and Alexander Calder. This group was pivotal in the development of abstract art during the 1930s, serving as a counterpoint to the figurative Surrealist movement. Béothy’s work was characterized by his commitment to the principles of geometric abstraction, with a particular focus on the golden section and Fibonacci sequence, which he believed demonstrated the profound connections between art, nature, and mathematics.
One of Béothy’s notable works is the ‘Forme Nucléaire’ created in 1950, which embodies his interest in the harmony of curves and planes. This sculpture, with its sleek and architectonic design, reflects the industrial optimism reminiscent of the Italian futurists, yet it also emphasizes Béothy’s dedication to the mystical significance of geometry.
Throughout his career, Béothy’s works were celebrated for their adherence to a strictly abstract discipline, often exploring the mathematical fundamentals underlying nature and art. His influence extended beyond his art, as he contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Paris, a city that became a sanctuary for many avant-garde artists who had fled countries where their art was considered subversive.
Béothy’s legacy is not only encapsulated in his sculptures and artworks but also in his role in fostering an environment where abstract art could thrive. His life and work continue to be a testament to the power of art as a universal language that transcends political and geographical boundaries.
