Figure in Red (1961) by Jean Dubuffet

Figure in Red - Jean Dubuffet - 1961

Artwork Information

TitleFigure in Red
ArtistJean Dubuffet
Date1961

About Figure in Red

The artwork titled “Figure in Red” is a portrait created by the artist Jean Dubuffet in 1961. This piece is characteristic of Dubuffet’s distinctive style and falls within the genre of portraiture, though it departs from traditional representational forms, reflecting the innovative approach of the artist during this period.

“Figure in Red” is an expressionistic representation that shuns the conventions of realistic portrayal in favor of a raw, more abstract depiction. The figure is depicted with simplified, almost childlike features: a circular head topped with what appears to be scribbled hair; large, asymmetrical eyes with one eye marked by a star shape; and a wide, arching mouth. The color palette is primarily dominated by shades of red, with the figure’s body rendered in a rich, textured rouge that contrasts with the more subdued background.

The use of red is particularly notable as it draws the viewer’s eye to the figure’s torso, which, like the face, is outlined with a rough, imperfect line, suggesting movement or instability. The hands of the figure are splayed and seem to float against the body, providing a sense of dynamism to the composition.

Dubuffet’s technique is evident in the earthy, granulated texture that pervades the artwork, giving it a tactile quality that further distances it from the slick finish of classical portraits. This textural complexity is perhaps due to the material and methods employed by Dubuffet, often incorporating unconventional substances into his paint or employing novel techniques to achieve his signature ‘Art Brut’ aesthetic, a term he coined to describe art created outside the academic tradition, often raw and unrefined.

The artwork exudes a sense of immediacy and visceral emotion, hallmarks of Dubuffet’s work, who sought to capture the authenticity of human expression unburdened by cultural refinement. “Figure in Red” stands as a testament to Dubuffet’s innovative spirit and his commitment to exploring new visual languages within the realm of portraiture.

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