Jean Dubuffet Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Biography

Born on 31 July 1901, in Le Havre, France, Dubuffet's creative impulses were evident from a young age. Despite early signs of artistic promise, his path was not linear. After briefly enrolling at the Académie Julian in Paris, he found the academic environment stifling and quickly abandoned formal education in favour of independent study. This autodidactic approach ignited his lifelong advocacy for an art unencumbered by institutional constraints.

Dubuffet's development was a series of bold experiments, culminating in a diverse body of work that defied categorisation. His early forays into painting were influenced by artists like André Masson, yet he soon forged his own style characterised by thick textures, a palette knife's and unorthodox materials such as asphalt and glass.

The 1940s marked a pivotal era for Dubuffet. During this period, he developed an interest in the art of the mentally ill, children, and outsider artists, which propelled him to establish Art Brut, works he believed were untainted by cultural and artistic conventions. Dubuffet's collection of Art Brut became an essential archive, showcasing the unfiltered expression he sought to embody in his practice.

Throughout his career, Dubuffet embarked on several significant series, such as The Carnival of Paris, where he captured the vibrancy of city life with a child-like exuberance, and the Hourloupe series, featuring blue and red line drawings that explored the intersection of reality and imagination. His work often had a raw, visceral impact, reflecting his fascination with texture and form.

Dubuffet's contributions extended beyond his canvases. He was a prolific writer and thinker, whose texts offered insights into his philosophy on art and aesthetics. His exhibitions were widely acclaimed, and his works held in major museums globally stand testament to his influence on the art world. Jean Dubuffet's legacy is one of fearless innovation and impact. His challenge to the art establishment and celebration of non-conformity has inspired generations of artists to explore the depths of their creativity without restraint.

Dubuffet was an avant-garde innovator, best known for founding the Art Brut movement, which translates to raw art. His vision championed art outside of traditional aesthetics, valuing works created by those outside the professional art sphere. Dubuffet's collection of works, often made by individuals with no formal training, sought to preserve the unrefined expressions of creativity that he believed were unspoiled by cultural and artistic conventions.
Unlike many artists who find their calling early in life, Jean Dubuffet did not fully commit to his art career until his late forties. Prior to this, he dabbled in painting but initially abandoned it to work in his family's winery. It wasn't until the 1940s, amidst the chaos of World War II, that Dubuffet returned to painting and subsequently emerged as a radical art force. This late start did not hinder his impact; on the contrary, it may have enriched his perspective, allowing him to approach his practice with a matured sense of purpose and a fresh, unorthodox outlook.

Jean
Dubuffet

Notable series