Robert Combas, born in 1957, is a French avant-garde artist whose work is deeply rooted in Figuration Libre, a movement he helped to establish. His vibrant canvases, often populated with colorful and dynamic figures, reflect a multitude of influences: Art Brut, Naive Art, Pop Art, as well as African, Haitian, and South American art. He is known for his spontaneous and improvisational style and for his works that serve as both a tribute to and a critique of popular cultures and consumer societies. His talent was recognized early on when he was invited to exhibit at the “After Classicism” exhibition, and shortly thereafter, he found success in prestigious galleries, including Leo Castelli’s in New York. Combas stands out for his refusal of a commercial approach to art, favoring a more authentic and personal path, often infused with humor and social satire.
His work, rich in references to various avant-gardes, expresses a blend of joy and mockery while questioning traditional hierarchies in art. Combas draws inspiration from underground culture, comic book icons, and incorporates writings and images from diverse cultures to create an open and universal dialogue in his paintings. “I sometimes work abstractly with paint splashes, a sort of abstract expressionism. The figurative is the fun side, grounded; initially, it was a derisive reaction against the intellectual paintings of the art scene in the 1970s. I come from a working-class background, I lived in two different worlds. There are still messages in my painting: initially, it’s a certain energy, I wanted to paint what I wanted. In comics, you’re stuck with the characters, whereas in this painting, I’m free, completely free, even by the format.” - Robert Combas
