[Dubuffet as Architect] [By: Abadie, Daniel] [November, 2011]

by Daniel Abadie

As the champion of "Art Brut," the artist Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985) is remembered foremost as a painter. Yet his creative instinct extended far beyond the parameters of paint. Later in his life, in 1965, his interest in architecture was sparked by a commission for two large-scale paintings for the University of Nanterre in Paris. Although he ultimately abandoned that project, he became intrigued by the idea of producing large works in a more enduring format, capable of withstanding the elements. He experimented with different media in search of a solution, producing works in ceramic, concrete, and eventually plastic resin. The large size and relief surface of his 1967 Mur Bleu (Blue Wall) catapulted his painting into the third dimension in a big way. Many commissions followed, and today Dubuffet's massive architectural forms grace several cities across the globe. The artist did not intend for these structures to be mere supports for his paintings; he meant for them to give his work architectural space. His efforts in this area earned him the medal of the American Institute of Architects in 1982. These stunningly inventive and playful works stand as a testament to Dubuffet's desire to expand his practice through new materials and techniques—and even into new dimensions. Dubuffet as Architect is the first published account of this little-known aspect of this artist's work.

Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Daniel Abadie's former positions have included curator at the French Musée National d'Art Moderne and director of the Musée du Jeu de Paume in Paris.

Reviews

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book doesn't take a broad look at Dubuffet's career, it covers a period of his developing interest in spatial construction, intensively. It's a working theme that begins with murals, develops through phases into monumental sculpture, and finally leads to ambitious experiments in engineering and construction. As we follow his achievements, and his many frustrations, we get a fascinating insight into his particular character, and project management, that I personally loved.

Besides that, the images of his maquettes and construction drawings are pure gold.