REBEYROLLE Paul

Biography of Paul Rebeyrolle

Paul Rebeyrolle was born on 3 November 1926 in Eymoutiers, Haute-Vienne. Bone tuberculosis during childhood immobilizes for several years, during which time it develops an intense taste for drawing. After studying in Limoges, he moved to Paris in 1944 to devote himself fully to art. He frequents artistic and intellectual circles, especially those gathered around La Ruche.

In 1949 he married the painter Simone Dat. He became one of the active members of the Young Painting movement, militant for an engaged figuration. He joined the French Communist Party in 1953, but left it in 1956 after the Soviet intervention in Hungary, an event which would have a decisive impact on his artistic approach.

Artistic career

Rebeyrolle's painting is distinguished by its physical strength, monumentality and alliance of figuration with raw materials. It addresses topics related to violence, nature, social injustice, and revolt. In his works he integrates materials such as earth, wood or metal, accentuating their expressiveness.

His major works include The Truite, The Cyclop or Planchemuton, awarded at the Paris Biennale in 1959. He also participates in major artistic events, such as the Documenta de Kassel.

Style and influences

Paul Rebeyrolle develops a powerful expressionism, where matter and gesture paint a world alive. Influenced by Soutine, Van Gogh or Picasso, he forged a very personal pictorial language. His tormented landscapes, his distorted figures reflect contained rage, compassion for the weak, constant criticism of power and established order.

Distinction and recognition

His work quickly received esteem from the world of art and intellectuals. He is the winner of the Fénéon Prize, the Young Painting Prize, and the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris. Figures such as Sartre or Foucault salute the power of his work. In 1995, he inaugurated at Eymoutiers the Espace Paul Rebeyrolle, dedicated to his work and committed contemporary art.

The works of Paul Rebeyrolle at Gallery 125

Galerie 125 offers works by Paul Rebeyrolle, available for sale online and in the gallery. These pieces offer art lovers a dive into an intense pictorial universe, where matter becomes language and where painting takes the side of revolt and humanity.