Origins & Early Life

Jean Philippe Arthur Dubuffet (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ filip aʁtyʁ dybyfɛ]; 31 July 1901 – 12 May 1985) was a French painter and sculptor of the École de Paris (School of Paris). His idealistic approach to aesthetics embraced so-called "low art" and eschewed traditional standards of beauty in favor of what he believed to be a more authentic and humanistic approach to image-making. He is perhaps best known for founding the art brut movement, and for the collection of works—Collection de l'art brut—that this movement spawned. Dubuffet enjoyed a prolific art career, both in France and in America, and was featured in many exhibitions throughout his lifetime.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Dubuffet was born in Le Havre to a family of wholesale wine merchants who were part of the wealthy bourgeoisie. His childhood friends included the writers Raymond Queneau and Georges Limbour. He moved to Paris in 1918 to study painting at the Académie Julian, becoming close friends with the artists Juan Gris, André Masson, and Fernand Léger. Six months later, upon finding academic training to be distasteful, he left the Académie to study independently. During this time, Dubuffet developed many other interests, including...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alberto Giacometti — Contemporary (Born in 1901) (1901): Swiss master of existential sculpture, known for elongated, fragile human figures.
• Alexandre Alexeieff — Contemporary (Born in 1901) (1901): Russian-born artist, filmmaker, and illustrator known for inventing the pinscreen technique.
• Alfred Tarski — Contemporary (Born in 1901) (1901): Pioneering logician known for model theory and the formal concept of truth.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Iconic Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• Billy Magnussen — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): American actor known for film roles in 'Aladdin' and 'Bridge of Spies'
• Bruno Mars — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Pop icon known for retro showmanship and versatile songwriting.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2020): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Bill Russell — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2022): Center for the Boston Celtics, a 12-time champion and basketball legend.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Amy Lowell — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1925): American poet, key figure in the Imagist school, known for her vibrant verse.
• 1901 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1901
• July 31 (07-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 31
• 1985 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1985
• May 12 (05-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 12