The Tenderness of Concrete – Emmanuel Lenain Solo Exhibition Karla Osorio Gallery proudly presents The Tenderness of Concrete, the first exhibition of renowned French photographer Emmanuel Lenain in Brasília. This remarkable showcase offers a unique perspective on Brutalist architecture, featuring 30 works, most of which are new and inspired by his research in Brazil and India.
About the Exhibition
The debut exhibition in Brasília by Emmanuel Lenain, French photographer and diplomat, presents 30 works, most of them never seen before, arising from his explorations in Brazil and India with a refined focus on Brutalist architecture. Lenain’s photography exemplifies a demanding practice, capturing the world’s changes, especially in metropolitan landscapes, through compositions in black and white that are both meticulous and poetic. In recent years, his work has evolved into more abstract and open imagery, leaving space for reflection and imagination, occasionally evoking a sense of unease in the viewer. Regarding this series, featured in “The Tenderness of Concrete”, Lenain himself states: *”I am not one of those who fear Brutalism. On the contrary, concrete, when handled by the greatest architects, has always seemed delicate to me. It allows for sensual and dizzying curves, the alternation of emptiness and fullness, a plunge into solitude and reverie.
Concrete enables the organization of a permanent tension, almost musical: the rectangle contrasts with the curve, sharp edges with softened profiles, static with fluid, rest with movement. Here and there, buildings with strict verticality and horizontality contrast with the freedom of a curved ramp. And, as often happens, harmony arises from opposites.
Therefore, this is not a documentary work. The approach is entirely subjective. Architectural photography is not necessarily a topographical survey: it can be the expression of an emotion. I am less interested in buildings as a whole than in architectural details that, taken out of their context, acquire a poetic dimension.”*
About the Artist
A career diplomat, Emmanuel Lenain has consistently pursued a meticulous photographic practice, documenting global changes, particularly within the landscapes of megacities, through black-and-white compositions that are as precise as they are lyrical. In recent years, his creative approach has shifted toward more abstract and open imagery, leaving room for thought, imagination, and even a touch of anxiety in the viewer. His work has been exhibited in France and India, becoming part of major institutions like the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris. He has also produced two books (“Grand Works”; “From France to India” in collaboration with acclaimed Indian photographer Raghu Rai) and participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including solo exhibitions in France, India, and China.
About Karla Osorio Gallery
Since 2017, Karla Osorio Gallery has actively worked to insert contemporary artists into the art market and institutions, featuring innovative exhibitions that explore diverse languages and techniques. Representing Brazilian and international artists, the gallery participates in prominent global art fairs and offers artistic residencies, guest curatorships, and more.
Event Details
Opening Reception: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Cocktail: 5 PM – 9 PM Venue: Pavilion II (Galleries 4 and 5)
Exhibition Duration: Until July 10, 2025 Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6:30 PM Saturdays: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Free Admission with prior booking via phone, email, Instagram (DM), or WhatsApp.
