Artist Origin: Canadian Artist Type: Historical works of significance / Abstract Expressionist Born: October 7, 1923, Montreal, Quebec Died: March 12, 2002, Saint-Antoine-de-l’Isle-aux-Grues, Quebec
Jean-Paul Riopelle was a groundbreaking Canadian painter and sculptor, celebrated for his gestural abstract paintings and his pivotal role in the post-war modern art movement. Initially trained at the École du Meuble in Montreal, he was influenced by Paul-Émile Borduas and the Automatistes, signing the Refus Global manifesto in 1948.
Riopelle moved to Paris in the late 1940s, immersing himself in the European avant-garde and becoming associated with the École de Paris. His signature style, often involving palette knives and thick impasto, created richly textured surfaces that emphasized spontaneity and movement. Riopelle’s work spans painting, sculpture, and printmaking, with his abstract landscapes evoking both natural forms and emotional intensity.
His works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Publications
“Jean Paul Riopelle: The Artist’s Materials” A comprehensive study focusing on the materials and techniques used by Riopelle, providing valuable information for curators, conservators, and art enthusiasts.