Jean
Dubuffet
Jean Dubuffet, the father of Art Brut, challenged conventional aesthetics with raw, primitive forms and textures. If you’re looking for original Jean Dubuffet prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.
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Jean Dubuffet prints for sale
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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.