Olivier DEBRÉ (1920-1999). - Lot 151

Olivier DEBRÉ (1920-1999). Untitled 1994 Original etching signed in pencil by the artist, EA. Dimensions: Paper: 22.4 x 14 cm Engraving : 18 x 11 cm Olivier Debré, born in Paris in 1920 and died in 1999, was a French painter emblematic of lyrical abstraction, known for his powerful compositions and his exploration of color and light. Born into a family of artists, he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris before developing a highly personal style, influenced by his experiences as a war painter during the Second World War. This experience had a profound influence on his work, which is characterized by imaginary landscapes and abstract visions of nature. Over the years, Debré distinguished himself by his constant search for a balance between pure abstraction and suggested figuration, emphasizing the tensions between form and color. He became one of France's leading exponents of lyrical abstraction, a movement that favors spontaneous, gestural expression on canvas. His works, often large-scale, are dominated by a great freedom of movement and palpable energy, conveying a sense of rhythm and dynamism. He also carries out numerous public commissions, including monumental frescoes for prestigious institutions such as the French National Assembly and the salle des fêtes at Paris City Hall. Olivier Debré is also one of the few artists to have been associated with the creation of the Centre Pompidou's visual identity. His work can be found in numerous museums and collections around the world, including the Centre Pompidou and the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, as well as institutions in New York and Tokyo. Debré's art, which blends great abstraction with a constant concern to capture the essence of natural elements, continues to make its mark on the history of contemporary painting.