Tribute to Yannick Bideau

Yannick Bideau, a young art dealer, discovered Hiquily's work in the late 1960s. He commissioned numerous furniture pieces to decorate the family villa on a private island in Finistère. These included side tables with a petrified wood top, La Table Trèfle (1976), a large stainless steel table made up of 16 elements that could also be adapted into an octagonal table and two consoles (1968), a caviar bowl, a jewelry box, and a brass console (1980).

Hiquily created a pair of brass armchairs for him in 1971. They would lead to the commission from the illustrious decorator Henri Samuel for a nearly identical armchair a few years later. This armchair would become one of the sculptor's iconic pieces of furniture under the leadership of Yves Gastou, who would create a multiple edition in 2004.

Yannick Bideau also collected the artist's sculptures and acquired a significant number, including Le Bourgeon (1962), La Secrétaire (1966), La Petite Saillie Dorée (1970), Merci D’Avoir Surélevé Mon Lit (1971), Totem (1975)... and even a watercolor that Hiquily called La Bideau.

While the art world of the 1970s seemed to be turning its back on the artist, Bideau dedicated an exhibition “Pièges à Louves” to him in his gallery on rue de Varenne in 1976. For this event, Hiquily created a unique series of brass sculptures mounted on bases made from wolf traps.

But the two men are, above all, great friends. For nearly 25 years, Bideau invited Hiquily and his wife Yen to his private island every year. During these stays, they indulged in the pleasures of fishing and cooking in this exceptional environment, topped by an ancient Vauban fortress.

Bideau's contribution to Hiquily's career was significant. He naturally became a member of the Hiquily Committee alongside the artist when it was founded in 2012.

During Hiquily's final years, Bideau was also present at his side, helping his old friend who was experiencing health problems. It is with great sadness that we have just learned that he too has passed away...

We extend our sincere condolences to his family.

Tara Hiquily and the members of the Hiquily Committee