Jean Arp was a French sculptor born on 16 September 1886 in Strasbourg, Alsace. Arp began studying art in Strasbourg and then transferred to Paris to complete his schooling. Afterward, Arp’s ability developed rapidly, and he co-founded the Der Moderne Bund in Switzerland in 1911. Subsequently, Arp moved to Zurich, where he co-founded the Dada and the Surrealism movement.
By the middle of the 1930s, Arp had fully developed into a master sculptor, and his artworks appeared in several prestigious exhibitions. He continued his efforts to promote Surrealism in Europe, especially in Switzerland. After his wife died in 1942, Arp fell into a deep depression that temporarily halted his productivity. He, however, returned to sculpting later, and he continued until he died of a heart attack on 7 June 1966.
What was Jean Arp Known For?
Jean Arp was known for his crucial role in founding the Dada and Surrealism art movement. He used bronze, glass, stone, and plaster in making sculptures. Arp was famous for expressing the unconsciousness of the human mind through his artworks, employing a technique called automatism. Aside from sculpture, Arp also experimented with painting, collages, and poetry.
Who was Jean Arp Influenced By?
Jean Arp was influenced by Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky. After his education, Arp left Paris and moved to Switzerland before moving again to Munich, where he worked closely with Kandinsky and the Der Blaue Reiter group. Arp then moved back to Paris, associating with Pablo Picasso and his circle of artists, which fostered Arp’s interest in making abstract art.
What Art Movement was Jean Arp Associated With?
Jean Arp was associated with the Dada and Surrealism art movements. Arp played a pivotal role in the development of both styles and in establishing the relationship between the two.
Jean Arp Artwork
Below are some of the artworks of Jean Arp
