Bernard Buffet Exhibition

25th July 2022 - 03rd September 2022

Online exhibition - Collection Galerie ARY JAN

Bernard Buffet, described as the genius of the 20th century, aroused the interest and passion of the public worldwide by describing the anxiety and emptiness of the post-war period through his very personal use of black lines and sober colours.

From his earliest childhood, the artist developed a passion for drawing and painting. At the age of 15 he successfully passed the entrance exam to the ENSBA in Paris and joined Pierre Narbonne's studio. 

A precocious artist, he made his debut in 1946 at the "salon des moins de 30 ans" with a self-portrait and exhibited the following year at the salon des indépendants. In December 1947, he had his first exhibition presented by Pierre Descargues at the Librairie des Impressions d'Art organised by Guy Weelen and Michel Brient. At the age of 20, the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris bought him "Nature morte au poulet". 

He was soon introduced to collectors by the painter Jean Aujame. In 1948, a great collector of contemporary art, Doctor Maurice Girardin, was fascinated by the artist's work and bought a first work, then sixteen others between 1948 and 1953. In the same year, Buffet obtained an exclusive contract in the famous gallery of Emmanuel David and Armand Drouant. This contract will be shared with Maurice Garnier because Armand Drouant did not appreciate Bernard Buffet's painting.