André Borderie

Modern Masters Tapestries selection by Didier Marien

The Modern Masters Tapestries Gallery is delighted to present a remarkable collection of tapestries, imbued with the artistic brilliance of André Borderie—including The Tower of Fire, a rare 1970s piece signed “Borderie” and numbered “1/3”, on view at Boccara Gallery. This limited-edition tapestry reflects Borderie’s unique fusion of abstract form and spiritual depth. With bold geometry and a richly textured surface, The Tower of Fire captures the artist’s sculptural sensibility and his commitment to making art that resonates beyond the visual—an emblem of his lasting impact on postwar textile art.

Learn more about the artist

André Borderie Tapestries

Though classically trained in technical disciplines, Borderie spent his early years immersed in drawing. After a brief career in telecommunications, a pivotal encounter in 1942 with poster artist Paul Colin inspired him to pursue painting. This marked the beginning of his transition into the arts.

In 1946, a meeting with sculptors Véra and Pierre Székely in Vienna proved transformative. Drawn to their vision and energy, Borderie relocated with his wife to Bures-sur-Yvette in 1948, near the Székelys, to form a vibrant artistic collective. Focused on painting and ceramics, the group signed their works collectively until their disbandment in 1957, after which Borderie settled in Senlis to continue his work independently.

His sensitivity to the built environment led him to join the Groupe Espace in 1955, a movement dedicated to integrating modern art and constructivist ideals into urban design. This affiliation opened the door to numerous public art commissions—monumental sculptures, fountains, murals, and architectural frescoes—crafted in diverse materials such as steel, concrete, ceramics, and mosaic. He also ventured into private interiors and conceptual architectural design.

Later, a collaboration with Denise Majorel, co-director of the influential gallery La Demeure, introduced Borderie to tapestry. This medium, like ceramics and painting before it, became a powerful outlet for his vision. Today, André Borderie is celebrated for his profound contributions across disciplines, particularly in ceramics, painting, and tapestry.