Robert Combas is an artist who has marked the contemporary artistic landscape with his unique style and revolutionary approach. Born on 25 May 1957 in Lyon, Combas is often associated with the Free Figuration movement, an artistic current that emerged in France in the 1980s. This movement is characterized by total freedom of expression, bold use of colours, and a fusion of popular cultures and traditional art. Through this article, we will explore the life, works, and impact of Robert Combas on modern art.
The Beginnings of Robert Combas
Combas grew up in Set, a port town in southern France, where it was strongly influenced by the Mediterranean atmosphere and local culture. From an early age, he showed exceptional talent for drawing and painting. After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier, he went to Paris where he began to make a name in the artistic milieu.
In 1980, he exhibited for the first time at the Yvon Lambert gallery, an exhibition that marked the beginning of his professional career. Quickly, his style is distinguished by an overflowing energy and unlimited inventiveness. Combas draws inspiration from various sources, such as comics, rock'n'roll, and raw art, to create vibrant and dynamic works.
Free Figuration: An Artistic Revolution
Free Figuration is an artistic movement opposed to the dominant minimalist and conceptual tendencies of the 1970s. He advocates a return to figuration and narrative, while integrating elements of popular culture. Combas, alongside other artists like Hervé Di Rosa and François Boisrond, became one of the leaders of this movement.
Combas's works are characterized by an explosion of bright colours, expressive shapes and an abundance of details. His paintings often tell complex stories, filled with fantastic characters, battle scenes, and symbolic motifs. Combas uses a unique visual language, mixing humour, social criticism, and cultural references.
The Art of Robert Combas
The work of Combs is rich and varied. His paintings, often large, are populated by extravagant characters and chaotic scenes. It uses a bright colour palette and vigorous brush strokes to create dynamic and captivating compositions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his art is his bold use of color. Combas is not afraid to juxtapose contrasting hues to create striking visual effects. His paintings are often saturated with colours, creating an impression of movement and constant energy.
The themes of his works are also diverse. He draws inspiration from mythology, history, popular culture, and his own life to create complex visual narratives. His paintings can be both playful and profound, offering a sharp social critique while maintaining a humorous tone.
The Impact of Robert Combas
Robert Combas had a significant impact on the world of contemporary art. His innovative approach and his willingness to break artistic conventions have inspired many artists. The Free Figuration, thanks to figures like Combas, has opened up new perspectives in contemporary art, allowing greater freedom of expression and a bolder exploration of themes and styles.
Combas also helped redefine the artist's role in society. He is not only creating works of art, but also engaged in social and educational projects. He has worked with schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations to promote art and encourage creativity among young people.
Exhibitions and Recognition
During his career, Robert Combas has participated in numerous exhibitions in France and abroad. His works have been presented in prestigious museums, contemporary art galleries, and international biennials. Notable exposures include those at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris Centre Georges Pompidou, and Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art.
In addition to the exhibitions, Combas also received several awards and awards for his work. His influence and contribution to contemporary art have been widely recognized, making him an indispensable figure in the international art scene.
Music and Combas
A less well-known aspect of Robert Combas' career is his connection to music. A great lover of rock and punk, he has often incorporated musical elements into his work. Combas even formed a music group, Les Sans Pattes, with which he made several performances. For him, music and painting are complementary means of expression, each enriching the other.
This fusion of music and visual art is another manifestation of his unconventional approach and his desire to push the limits of art. He sees artistic creation as a total experience, where different forms of art can meet and complement each other.
The Contemporary Period
Today, Robert Combas continues to create and innovate. His recent works reflect a constant evolution of his style and themes. While remaining faithful to the spirit of Free Figuration, he explores new techniques and topics, reflecting changes in society and his own vision of the world.
Combas also remains engaged in community and educational projects. It continues to work with schools and organizations to promote art and encourage creativity among young people. For him, art is a powerful tool for personal expression and social transformation.
The Rating of Robert Combas and the Evolution of his Rating on the Art Market
Robert Combas' rating in the art market has changed significantly over the decades. In the 1980s, when he emerged as a major figure in Free Figuration, his works were mainly accessible to an audience of avant-garde art lovers. However, as his fame expanded, demand for his works increased considerably.
In the early 2000s, the Combas rating rose sharply, driven by growing interest in Free Figuration artists and major exhibitions of his works in renowned institutions. Auctions saw records breaking regularly, with some coins reaching six-digit amounts.
Today, Robert Combas's rating remains solid, reflecting his status as an essential artist. His works are sought after by collectors around the world, and galleries and auction houses continue to promote his work. This recognition is the result of his indelible contribution to contemporary art, his ability to constantly innovate, and his passionate commitment to his art. Estimates for its parts may vary depending on their size, complexity, and provenance, but it is undeniable that Robert Combas left a lasting impression on the art market.
Robert Combas - Aquagravure "Pear head" 2010
Robert Combas is undoubtedly one of the most influential and innovative artists of our time. His bold approach, his overwhelming creativity, and his commitment to art and society make him an emblematic figure of Free Figuration and contemporary art. Through his works, he invites us to see the world with a new look, to embrace the diversity and complexity of life, and to celebrate freedom of expression in all its forms.
His artistic heritage is immense and continues to inspire new generations of artists. By exploring the works of Robert Combas, we discover not only a rich and captivating visual universe, but also a profound reflection on the human condition and contemporary society. For all those interested in art, Combas' work is an inexhaustible source of fascination and inspiration.
Robert COMBAS Original drawing with felt on paper in a format of 27,5 x 23,5 cm, Work signed and dated at the bottom right.
This felt drawing Robert Combas, realized in 1998, perfectly illustrates the playful and irreverent spirit of the artist, a major figure in the Free Figuration. The work represents a character wearing a bucket on the head, accompanied by the humorous text "FAUTE: They don't say TA SOT! They say TON SEAU!. Using clear and simplified lines, Combas plays on words to create humorous tension and reflect on misunderstandings in communication. The apparent simplicity of the drawing contrasts with the depth of the message, testifying to Combas' mastery and inventiveness at this time of his career.
Robert COMBAS - Original lithography "Marine dragons" 56x76cm - 1997
This lithography entitled "Marine Dragons", directed in 1997 by Robert Combas, is a vibrant and colourful work measuring 56 x 76 cm. It perfectly illustrates the distinctive style of Combas, characterized by an explosion of shapes and colours. The drawing presents a fantastic dragon, richly detailed, in the midst of a whirlwind of stylized marine elements. The bright colours and undulating lines create a visual dynamism that immediately captures attention. Combas integrates complex patterns and grotesque characters, merging mythological imagination and popular culture. This lithography, signed and numbered, bears witness to the creative energy and originality of the artist, making every detail a fascinating visual and symbolic exploration.