Paris – Bonhams is delighted to spotlight the enduring legacy of Michel Tapié (1909–1987), the pioneering French art critic, curator, and theorist who transformed the landscape of Post-War and Contemporary art. A tireless advocate for what he termed Art Autre (or Art of Another Kind), Tapié played a pivotal role in promoting the avant-garde and redefining the parameters of artistic expression in the mid-20th century. Highlights of this selection are seven amazing works by Toshimitsu Imai, Alfonso Ossorio, Faramarz Pilaram and Giuseppe Pinot-Gallizio from Tapié's private collection and thence by descent to the present owner.

Dated February 1963, an Untitled oil on canvas marks a vibrant highlight from Toshimitsu Imaï's peak Informel period in Paris (estimate: €18,000-25,000). Created during a pivotal time—shortly after his selection for the 30th Venice Biennale and coinciding with his third solo exhibition at Galerie Stadler—the painting showcases heightened colour sensitivity and the "extremely rich pictorial alchemy" praised by French critic Michel Tapié.

Having moved to Paris in the early 1950s, Imaï quickly immersed himself in the Informel movement. His art evolved rapidly: dark tones gave way to vivid hues, defined shapes dissolved into abstract gestures, and surfaces became boldly textured. Influenced by Tapié, Imaï fully embraced expressive spontaneity, pouring and dripping paint onto the canvas. His work soon captivated Paris, and critic Shuzo Takiguchi famously described it as une magie virginale ("a virginal magic").

The present painting, with its explosive red base and contrasting dark circle, exemplifies Imaï's graceful, powerful gestural expressionism.

Giacomo Balsamo, International Director of Bonhams' Post-War & Contemporary Art department, commented: "A central figure in the rise of Art Informel, Tapié was instrumental in championing artists such as Jean Dubuffet, Georges Mathieu, Alfonso Ossorio, Gianni Dova but also Toshimitsu Imaï. His influence extended far beyond Europe: through extensive travels, curatorial projects, and publications, he helped forge a truly international dialogue in contemporary art—connecting movements in Japan, Latin America, and the United States. These paintings coming from the estate of the family are a real treasure that we are proud to reveal to the world."

Tapié's landmark 1952 book Un art autre remains a critical touchstone, articulating a vision of art freed from academic constraints and traditional form. His legacy as a collector, thinker, and provocateur continues to inspire scholars, artists, and collectors worldwide. As the art world increasingly revisits the global narratives of modernism, Michel Tapié's prescient eye and uncompromising commitment to artistic freedom feel more relevant than ever.

Other highlights of the sale include:

• Alfonso Ossori (1916-1990), Untitled, circa 1952, wax, watercolour and gouache on paper laid down on panel (estimate: €30,000-50,000). Exhibited in Paris, Galerie Artcurial, Quelque chose de très mystérieux - Intuitions esthétiques de Michel Tapié, March-May 1994

• Giuseppe Pinot-Gallizio (1902-1964), Nel bosco del caprifoglio1962, oil on canvas signed, titled and dated 62 on the reverse (estimate: €10,000-15,000). In 1960, with architect Luigi Moretti, Tapié co-founded the International Center of Aesthetic Research in Turin, a facility for the study and exhibition of art, as well as for the publication and dissemination of critical, investigative, or theoretical works on art. The Center, which closed its doors not long after the death of Tapié in 1987, also housed a museum with a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art. This painting was exhibited there in April 1963 and later in 1964 in Buenos Aires.

• Faramarz Pilaram (1937-1982), Untitled, oil on canvas, signed and dated 1972 Paris and inscribed N°6 on the reverse (estimate: €5,000-7,000)