Balzac’s novel portrays different themes: family – adolescence, pain and solitude – all subjects equally present in Louise Bourgeois’ paintings as early as the end of the 1930s. While she does not proclaim herself to be a feminist she does have a keen interest in women’s issues.

It’s therefore not at all surprising that Eugenie Grandet is a central character in the origin of Louise Bourgeois’ work that sees her as the prototype of the woman who has not been allowed to develop and ultimately finds her unfulfilled. Balzac’s character is a prisoner of her father who treats her like a servant. Eugenie’s destiny is that of a woman who never had the opportunity to become one…

Embroidery is one of the quintessential feminine arts and one practiced professionally by Louise Bourgeois’ mother. The artist presents a series of works, which evokes the passage of time - useless occupations – withering states and solitude. Bourgeois who works exclusively in isolation displays a keen sense of poetry with touches of humor in her intimate and secretive art.

This exhibit marks the meeting of two great artists who separated by time and space come together in their powerful analysis, lucidity and efforts to identify the most profound secrets of the human soul.