The Salon des Réalités Nouvelles : manifesto on the choice of abstraction

In 1947, Denise Ferrier exhibited for the first time at the Salon d'Automne. From 1950 to 1955, she took part in the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles alongside artists engaged in the abstract painting movement.

The event was initiated by a groupe of painters including Albert Gleizes and Auguste Herbin. The latter supported Denise Ferrier's application to become a member of the salon.

Rythmes [Rhythms], which she decided to exhibit in 1951, and which was noticed by the then director of the Musée National d'Art Moderne, Jean Cassou, illustrates the issues she was grappling with at the time.

The issues of "tempo" and "rhthmic speed", stemming from an alternation between contrasted elements and similar colours or shapes, fed her reflections during this period.

She then gradually moved towards a more colourful form of abstraction. In the compositions of 1953, angular form made wat for more flowing, rounded lines. The tones are vivid and contrasting, bringing new dynamism to the overall effect.