Robert Combas

Robert Combas is a French painter and sculptor, born in 1957 in Lyon, currently residing and working in Paris. Since 1981, Combas has been associated with the *Figuration Libre* movement, along with artists Rémy Blanchard, François Boisrond, and Hervé di Rosa. This movement began in Paris and is characterized by the straightforward manner in which French painters create figurative and recognizable depictions, inspired by everyday life. They disregard the traditional norms of the art world, aiming instead for fundamental freedom. Contemporary reality serves as an essential foundation for the artists within *Figuration Libre*, which can be seen as aligned with Neo-Expressionism. Combas's work has always focused intensely on portraying the human figure. He uses bright colors and bold outlines to depict a world that captivates him: comic books, scenes from TV series, images of war, and figures from rock music. He creates representations of war, crime, sex, celebrations—in short, many facets of modern life. While his earlier work often included autobiographical elements, this aspect has since become secondary. His works frequently convey a critique of society as a whole. Combas’s works often include elements of shock or confrontation, although he describes his art as "amusing and relaxed painting." He seeks to capture viewers' attention through his lavish use of bright colors. On his own website, he describes his approach as "provocative, inviting viewers to look closely at his works. Come to me and talk with me. I’d like to tell you about the nonsense, violence, beauty, love, seriousness, fun, logic, and absurdity that dominate our daily lives." Robert Combas’s work is exhibited worldwide in numerous prestigious museum collections, galleries, and at major art fairs.