|
Robert Combas was born in Lyon in 1957 and lives in Paris since 1981. Together with Rémi Blanchard, François Boisrond and Hervé di Rosa he established the group “Figuration libre,” which became a synonym for the rebellious art scene in France during the 1980s and which provoked and shocked with blatant motifs. The Ludwig Museum is in possession of characteristic works of this group and now presents the first solo exhibition of Robert Combas in Germany. Especially in recent years, the artist has obtained great acceptance with international presentations.
In 1983, the famous gallerist Leo Castelli already dedicated a solo exhibition in New York to Robert Combas, who is not only known as painter, draftsman and graphic artist but also appreciated for his fascinating large-sized resin sculptures. Similar to Keith Haring, for this artist there is nothing he does not paint, and it is mainly the line through which his associations takes shape. Combas is – like Haring – very familiar with the language of comics. He developed it mostly through examination of the works by Erró, the big role model of this movement.
The works of Robert Combas are like Paris, the metropolis: Versatile and vibrant, bright or gloomy and brutal. Shrill colours, powerful contours and the use of a wide variety of materials are Combas’ means for creating works which vary from comical to grotesque. Scenes from the world of music seem to be Combas’ favourite themes; besides drawing this subject is the great passion of Robert Combas.
The exhibition shows central works from the 80s up to today and is organized in cooperation with DIE GALERIE, Frankfurt am Main, and the Gallery Guy Pieters, Knokke-Heist. Two different publications about the exhibition will be available.
|
