Jean Dubuffet, Bricoleur: Portraits, Pastiche, Performativity

Jean Dubuffet,Bricoleur: Portraits,Pastiche,Performativity, by Stephanie Chadwick, re-examines Dubuffet's portraits through the lens of his writings and the art and literature of his Surrealist sitters, exploring themes of multivalence, performativity, and multifaceted identity. Dubuffet, who posed as an outsider, mingled with great artists and theorists and celebrated Art Brut, developing conceptual resources to reconfigure painting and reframe post-war anticultural discourses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Jean Dubuffet, a renowned and influential artist of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the art world through his prolific career. Despite his immense presence in exhibitions and catalogues, his work remains somewhat enigmatic and under-explored, particularly in the context of post-war French art. In her book, Jean Dubuffet, Bricoleur: Portraits, Pastiche, Performativity, Stephanie Chadwick delves into the realm of Dubuffet's portraits, offering a fresh perspective by examining them through the lens of his writings and in conjunction with the art and literature of his Surrealist companions.

Dubuffet, while portraying himself as an outsider, had a remarkable ability to forge connections with a diverse array of artists and intellectuals. He celebrated Art Brut, valuing the art of ostensible outsiders and developing a rich and intricate conceptual framework to redefine painting and challenge post-war anticultural discourses. This book explores Dubuffet's painting as bricolage, unveiling his reliance on a culture of anticulture and the appropriation of motifs from Surrealism to the South Pacific. Through this exploration, Chadwick uncovers the themes of multivalence, performativity, and multifaceted identity that permeate Dubuffet's portraits, shedding light on his profound understanding of the human condition.

Dubuffet's portraits, which feature a who's who of the Parisian art and intellectual scene, serve as a testament to his profound influence. By re-examining these portraits through the lens of Dubuffet's writings and in conjunction with the art and literature of his Surrealist sitters, Chadwick provides a fresh perspective on Dubuffet's artistic journey. Through his bricolage approach, Dubuffet challenged traditional notions of art and identity, creating a body of work that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking.

Jean Dubuffet, Bricoleur: Portraits, Pastiche, Performativity is a valuable contribution to the study of 20th-century art, offering a deeper understanding of Dubuffet's artistic vision and his profound impact on the art world. By exploring themes of multivalence, performativity, and multifaceted identity, Chadwick sheds light on the enduring legacy of this influential artist.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501349454