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of art by this artist.
Martial Raysse Biography
Martial Raysse, born on February 12, 1936, in Golfe-Juan, France, is a distinguished French artist whose innovative work has significantly influenced the trajectory of contemporary art. His parents were ceramicists in Vallauris, a town renowned for its pottery, which provided Raysse with an early exposure to the world of art and craftsmanship. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in the arts, beginning to paint and write poetry at the tender age of twelve. This early start laid the foundation for his future explorations in visual and poetic forms.
Raysse's initial foray into the art world was marked by his participation in an exhibition alongside Jean Cocteau at Galerie Longchamp in 1958. His fascination with the aesthetic potential of plastic led him to incorporate low-cost plastic items into his work, developing a concept he termed "vision hygiene." This concept was a critique of consumer society, showcasing the allure and superficiality of mass-produced goods. His work from this period garnered critical acclaim, and in 1961, an exhibition of his in Milan sold out before it even opened, signaling his rising prominence in the art world.
In October 1960, Raysse, along with artists such as Arman, Yves Klein, François Dufrêne, Raymond Hains, Daniel Spoerri, Jean Tinguely, Jacques Villeglé, and art critic Pierre Restany, co-founded the Nouveaux Réalistes group. This collective of artists sought to forge a new perspective on reality, challenging traditional notions of art and the artist's role in the context of a consumer-driven society. They aimed to reintegrate humanistic ideals in the face of burgeoning industrial expansion.
Raysse's contributions to the Nouveau Réalisme movement were characterized by his use of found objects and his engagement with advertising imagery. His work from this period, such as the assemblage "Raysse Beach" created for an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, reflected a synthetic and glamorous modern ideal of happiness. He also participated in significant exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale in 1966 and 1982, and his work was featured in group shows at prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Despite his association with Nouveau Réalisme, Raysse's involvement with the movement was relatively brief. He soon began to focus on developing a personal style and philosophy, seeking to push the boundaries of social norms. His reinterpretation of famous nude paintings from the past, such as "La France Verte" (1963) and "Made in Japan" (1964), showcased his ironic take on modern standards of taste.
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a turning point in Raysse's career. Disillusioned by the commercialization of art, he retreated from the art scene and denounced its commodification. However, his work continued to evolve, and he began to explore classicist painting, a move that initially led to a waning of interest in his art. It wasn't until the 1990s, with the purchase of his work by billionaire François Pinault and subsequent commissions, that Raysse's art experienced a resurgence in popularity.
In 2011, Raysse's painting "Last Year in Capri (Exotic Title)" fetched $6.58 million at a Christie's auction, setting a record for the most expensive work sold by a living French artist. This sale coincided with a renewed interest in his oeuvre among collectors. His later work has been the subject of major retrospectives, including a comprehensive exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and a solo show at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
Raysse's multifaceted career also includes ventures into film. He acted in Jean-Pierre Prévost's 1971 film "Jupiter" and wrote and directed the 1972 film "Le grand départ." His video art documentary "Par la juste mesure dans le double monde" (1985) by Maurice Benayoun further exemplifies his diverse artistic endeavors.
Today, Martial Raysse resides in Issigeac, France, where he continues to create art that challenges and engages audiences. His legacy is that of an artist who has consistently sought to redefine the boundaries of visual expression, blending poetry, painting, and assemblage to offer a unique commentary on the world around us. His work remains a testament to the power of art to reflect and critique society, and his influence can be seen in the practices of many contemporary artists.
Martial Raysse Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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