Robert Combas French, b. 1957
Robert Combas, born 1957, in Lyon, is a French painter and sculptor based in Paris. He is renowned as a key figure in the figuration libre movement originating in Paris circa 1980, emerging in response to established art norms, particularly minimalism and conceptual art.
Figuration libre draws from influences like Fauvism and Expressionism, intertwined with contemporary movements such as Bad Painting and Neo-expressionism. Combas infuses his art with elements from graffiti, cartoons, and rock music to reflect contemporary society's complexities, often critiquing societal excesses.
His work predominantly features the human figure, depicted in dynamic and often chaotic scenes. Combas employs large canvases adorned with a profusion of bodies, street poetry, and intricate designs, conveying narratives of war, crime, and celebration. Recent works exhibit a pronounced autobiographical element, subtly critiquing societal norms and individual desires.
Despite their confrontational appearance, Combas intends his art to engage viewers, inviting them to contemplate the multifaceted aspects of modern life. Through vibrant colors and bold lines, he communicates themes of camaraderie and invites dialogue on the complexities of existence.
