WHO WAS GEORGES MATHIEU?
Georges Mathieu was a French abstract expressionist painter from the 1950-1960's. Widely regarded as one of the their large size, spiky calligraphic expression, and action packed strokes. Mathieu was a flamboyant and famous personality during his lifetime. He often created paintings during public performances, stating that they created a “true communion among men”. During these performances, he worked rapidly, as the speed of his execution was a signature component of his style.
TIMELINE
1947
Career begins with paintings depicting large, nonfigurative, and organic shapes.
1949
Mathieu's style becomes more bold at the "Huit Oeurves Nouvelles" exhibition in Paris.
1950
Holds his first solo exhibition within the lyrical abstract movement.
1952
The height of Mathieu's career.
Starts painting on large canvasas and gains international attention.
1956
Starts painting at public performances,the most famous being in front of 2000 people using 800 tubes of paint.
1957
Speed becomes a key part of Mathieu's works when he famously paints 21 paintings in 3 days in Tokyo, Japan.