The Cosmorama IV (1970) by Jean Dubuffet

The Cosmorama IV - Jean Dubuffet - 1970

Artwork Information

TitleThe Cosmorama IV
ArtistJean Dubuffet
Date1970
Art MovementArt Brut

About The Cosmorama IV

“The Cosmorama IV,” a sculpture created by Jean Dubuffet in 1970, is a distinguished work from his Hourloupe series, which resonates with the Art Brut movement. This artistic phenomenon, which Dubuffet himself pioneered, places value on raw and unrefined visual narrative, often produced outside the traditional aesthetic norms.

The artwork embodies the characteristic elements of Art Brut and the Hourloupe series, featuring an intricate lattice of black lines that compartmentalize the sculpture into cellular-like sections. The cells are filled with a limited yet bold palette of red, white, blue, and black, which contribute to a strong sense of graphic intensity and rhythm throughout the work. The contours are irregular and organic, while the intertwining forms seem to oscillate between the abstract and the representational, suggesting figures or objects caught in an enigmatic dance.

The composition is playful and labyrinthine, inviting the viewer to traverse its surface visually. Dubuffet’s use of vibrant color and dynamic patterns creates a sense of depth and movement, making the sculpture appear almost animated. By manipulating the expectations of form and space, Dubuffet challenges the spectator to reevaluate the conventional perception of sculpture and to embrace the raw, emotive power of Art Brut.

As a specimen of his Hourloupe cycle, “The Cosmorama IV” provides a window into Dubuffet’s creative subconscious, demonstrating his commitment to exploring the boundaries of visual expression and his proclivity for works that exist as much in the realm of the viewer’s imagination as in physical space.

Other Artwork from Jean Dubuffet

More Art Brut Artwork

Scroll to Top