Kay Sage and Yves Tanguy

The work of two leading Surrealist artists

Published on occasion of the exhibition Kay Sage and Yves Tanguy: Ring of Iron, Ring of Wool curated by Dr Victoria-Noel-Johnson, Marzina Marzetti (Director of the Helly Nahmad Gallery) in collaboration with Derek Des Islets and Matthew Foster, Helly Nahmad Gallery, New York, this catalogue explores the work of Kay Sage (American, 1898-1963) and Yves Tanguy (French-American, 1900-1955), two eminent Surrealist artists who married in 1940. Particular attention will be given to Sage’s fascinating life and extraordinary work, which has long been obscured by her relationship with the better-known Tanguy, a key figure of French Surrealism. As such, the publication will analyse the various stages of Sage’s life and career in Italy and Paris before returning to New York in 1939, parallel to Tanguy’s own exceptional work of the late 1920s – early 1950s, with the aim of highlighting how their personal and professional trajectories affected their respective work and careers thereafter. Sage’s dedication to promoting and safeguarding Tanguy’s legacy following his premature death in 1955 will also be explored.