The book as revolution, as vision, as artifact.
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Masson, André]
A versatile French painter and sculptor, a key figure of Surrealism, famous for his automatic drawings and his influence on Abstract Expressionism.
Short Biography
André Masson was born on January 4, 1896, in Balagny-sur-Thérain, France, and died on October 28, 1987, in Paris. His career began with Cubist influences, but he became one of the most valued members of André Breton's Surrealist group in 1924. He pioneered the technique of 'automatic drawing', a method to express the subconscious directly onto paper. Although he left the Surrealist group in 1929 after a dispute with Breton, he maintained a strong connection to the irrational and psychological dimensions of art. His work in the US in the 1940s influenced the post-war Abstract Expressionist school (notably the 'dripping' technique) and French Lyrical Abstraction. He was an artist of constant renewal and intense expression.
Connection to the Book World
Masson's role in the development of the Surrealist illustrated book is crucial. He illustrated numerous works by the poets he collaborated with, notably Michel Leiris, Georges Bataille, and Tristan Tzara. His 'Métamorphose de la poésie' (1930) and 'Le Con d'Irène' (1928, clandestine) with its erotic drawings are notable examples. He created etchings, woodcuts, and lithographs for publishers such as Skira and Gaston-Louis Manceron (GLM), introducing the technique of automatic drawing into book art and thus fundamentally changing the relationship between image and text in the avant-garde.
Founded and curated by [Curator Name], The Hidden Page reflects decades of research and passion for the printed avant-garde. With a background in art history and rare book conservation, [he/she/they] brings a scholarly yet accessible approach to each selection.
The platform aspires to bridge the gap between private collections, institutional research, and curious readers worldwide.
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
AUTHORS · AUTHORS
Rare Books, Living Legacies Rare Books, Living Legacies
We specialize in rare, illustrated editions from the avant-garde movements. Every book is accompanied by high-quality visuals, detailed reports, and scholarly context.
Paris | 1931 | Japon nacré
€360
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