Jean Dubuffet supports an art without rules and defined techniques. Thus, he is in search of a new style. Never satisfied, he regularly abandons his artistic experiments.
In 1943, Jean Dubuffet resumes art full time. The following year, he participates in his first solo exhibition at the Parisian gallery René Drouin. His 79 works presented are a scandal. The public and art critics considered his paintings clumsy, provocative and childish. Dubuffet responded to the critics. He explains that his works provoke shock and repulsion in some spectators since he breaks with traditional and contemporary techniques. For example, he abandons perspective and color theory. Indeed, he does not seek to make his works aesthetically beautiful. He draws his brushstrokes without really thinking: he plays with his art. Moreover, he does not care if the public appreciates his works. His goal is to be constantly looking for a new form of expression.

In 1954, when Jean Dubuffet began sculpting by assembling materials of all kinds, such as butterfly wings. In the face of criticism, Jean Dubuffet explains: "The desired effect was precisely the result of the completely non-artistic nature of these objects and the surprise caused by their use in a work of art. ».

Between December 1960 and February 1961, he himself organized a retrospective of his works at the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris. Despite its growing success, the public remains mixed.

Until the end of his career in 1984, Jean Dubuffet's works continued to be contested. However, it is the difference in his canvases that make him a great contemporary artist and that have inspired hundreds of others. 

Sophie Couturier

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