JEAN DUBUFFET - THE DEEP END

Summary

Jean Dubuffet, a pivotal post-World War II European artist, is celebrated for his innovative approach to art, often using non-traditional materials and challenging viewers' perceptions. Born in 1901, Dubuffet's work spanned various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and lithographs, showcasing his unique style and theoretical reflections on culture. The exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum features his pieces from the 1940s to the 1970s, highlighting his 'L'Hourloupe' series and his use of styrofoam for sculptures, inviting viewers to experience a transformed visual vocabulary and reconsider their surroundings.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Jean Dubuffet was a pioneering artist in post-World War II Europe, known for his innovative and unconventional approach to art.
• 🌟 Born in 1901 in Le Havre, Normandy, Dubuffet moved to Paris in 1918 to study art but only truly settled there in 1942.
• 🔢 Over a 40-year period, Dubuffet produced an extensive body of work, creating around 10,000 pieces.
• 🤔 He challenged traditional artistic norms, focusing on the overlooked and mundane aspects of life, encouraging viewers to see the world differently.
• 🌿 His work often incorporated non-artistic materials, such as butterfly wings, leaves, and found objects, reflecting his interest in nature and 'outsider art'.
• 🖼 The exhibition features two main narratives: the works acquired by the museum and Dubuffet's exploration of perception and disorientation.
• 📜 Dubuffet's 'L'Hourloupe' series, spanning from 1962 to the mid-1970s, was inspired by doodles he made while on the phone, which he then developed into paintings and sculptures.
• 🏛 He experimented with materials like styrofoam, creating both small sculptures and large-scale installations that transformed the viewer's spatial perception.
• 📚 Dubuffet was not only an artist but also a theorist, writing books and giving lectures on culture and his own artistic practice.
• 👀 The exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in Dubuffet's work, potentially becoming more sensitive to their surroundings and perception of everyday objects.

Q & A

Who is Jean Dubuffet and why is he significant?

Jean Dubuffet is an important artist who emerged in Europe after World War II. He was born in 1901 in Le Havre, Normandy, and became known for his relentless work ethic, producing around 10,000 works over a 40-year period. He is significant for his innovative approach to art, using non-traditional materials and subject matters, and for his influence on the art world.

What was Dubuffet's approach to art-making?

Dubuffet's approach was to create something new and different from what had been done before. He was not interested in conforming to established artistic styles such as Cubism or Surrealism and sought to make art that was outside the norm.

What materials did Dubuffet use in his art?

Dubuffet used a variety of materials in his art, including non-artistic ones. He worked with butterfly wings, leaves, moss, grass, and even styrofoam to create his sculptures and paintings.

What is the significance of the 'L'Hourloupe' series in Dubuffet's work?

The 'L'Hourloupe' series is significant because it represents a period when Dubuffet was exploring the use of small, doodle-like figures on contrasting backgrounds. These figures came to life and transformed his visual vocabulary, leading to both paintings and sculptures.

How did Dubuffet's work aim to disorientate viewers?

Dubuffet's work aimed to disorientate viewers by focusing on elements that are often overlooked, such as the sand on the ground or small pebbles. This focus was intended to transform the viewer's perception of the world when they look back at it.

What is the 'Deep End' in relation to Dubuffet's work?

The 'Deep End' refers to a part of the exhibition that showcases Dubuffet's work from the 1960s and 1970s, which includes paintings, sculptures, and multiples from the 'L'Hourloupe' series. These works are characterized by their swirling, anarchic lines that challenge the viewer's perception of space.

What can visitors expect from the exhibition of Dubuffet's work?

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see a variety of Dubuffet's works, including paintings, sculptures, and lithographs from the 1940s to the 1970s. They can also expect to experience a transformation in their perception and sensitivity towards their surroundings.

How did Dubuffet's work evolve over time?

Dubuffet's work evolved from focusing on overlooked elements in the 1940s and 1950s to developing the 'L'Hourloupe' series in the 1960s and 1970s, which involved creating figures and scenes from doodles and carving styrofoam for sculptures.

What was Dubuffet's role in the art world beyond being an artist?

Beyond being an artist, Dubuffet was also a theorist who wrote books about culture, gave lectures, and wrote about his own artistic practice. He was reflective and contributed to the discourse around art during his time.

What is the curator's hope for visitors of the Dubuffet exhibition?

The curator hopes that visitors will take their time to explore Dubuffet's work, become more sensitive to their surroundings, and perhaps carry with them a changed perspective on how they view the world after experiencing the exhibition.