Benjamin Sebban Gallery, March 2019
"Art should be born from the materials and, hence, go beyond the notion of 'formal beauty.' In my opinion, 'formal beauty' is a lie, and 'true beauty' is found in the spontaneous and the unrefined."
Jean Dubuffet (1901–1985) was a pioneering French painter and sculptor known for founding the Art Brut movement, which championed raw, unrefined creativity often found in outsider art. Born in Le Havre, France, Dubuffet briefly studied at the Académie Julian in Paris before leaving to pursue a career in the family wine business. He returned to art in the 1940s, developing a unique style characterized by the use of unconventional materials like sand, tar, and pebbles.
Dubuffet's major works include the "Hautes Pâtes" series, known for its thick, textured surfaces, and the "Hourloupe" series, featuring bold patterns and bright colors. His innovative approach challenged traditional aesthetics and gained international recognition through exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Dubuffet's influence extended beyond his lifetime, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art. He passed away on May 12, 1985, in Paris, but his legacy continues through his contributions to the Art Brut movement and his distinctive artistic vision