APPOART

“Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant, or a child in its mother’s womb”

Jean Arp, born Hans Peter Wilhelm Arp on September 16, 1887, in Strasbourg, was a prominent French painter, sculptor, and poet known for his contributions to the Dada movement and abstract art. He was a key figure in the early 20th-century avant-garde and was involved in various influential art groups throughout his career.

Arp grew up in a bilingual household, with a German father and an Alsatian mother. He began his artistic education at the École des Arts et Métiers in Strasbourg and later studied at the Kunstschule in Weimar and the Académie Julian in Paris. His exposure to various artistic movements began early, as he interacted with notable figures such as Robert and Sonia Delaunay and Vasily Kandinsky during his studies.

Artistic style:

Jean Arp developed a unique and influential artistic style that spanned various mediums, including sculpture, collage, painting, and poetry. His approach was characterized by a focus on organic abstraction, chance, and a connection to nature.

Arp’s sculptures, often referred to as “biomorphic,” featured smooth, rounded forms that suggested natural elements like plants, body parts, and other organic motifs. He worked intuitively with plaster, allowing the material to guide the creation of these fecund, life-like forms. His sculptures expressed themes of growth, metamorphosis, and the ever-changing nature of life.

Most important works:

1. The Great Table (1952)

This large bronze sculpture features an organic, abstract design with curved legs. Standing at 50 cm, it symbolizes Arp’s exploration of the relationship between humanity and nature, combining both abstract and realistic elements in its form.

2. The Round Table (1954)

Similar in concept to The Great Table, this bronze piece also showcases Arp’s biomorphic style. Its interlocking curved legs create stability while reflecting natural forms, emphasizing harmony between human-made objects and the natural world.

3. The Painted Sculpture (1928)

Standing at 1.6 meters, this wooden sculpture is painted in dark brown and exemplifies Arp’s early experimentation with abstract forms. It represents his transition into more complex biomorphic shapes.

4. Constellation According to the Laws of Chance (1930)

This work is a painted wooden relief that embodies Arp’s Dadaist principles, using chance as a creative force. The piece illustrates his interest in randomness and the interplay of shapes, a hallmark of his artistic philosophy.

Exhibitions:

Unfortunately there isn’t any exhibition scheduled in 2024 for Jean Arp but you can check our website to stay in tune.