Jean Dubuffet

b. 1901 and died 1985

Jean Dubuffet is one of the most influential French painters of the 20th century. Dubuffet had two major contributions to the art world: the first is his recognition of “Art Brut” or “raw art” which recognized non-professionally trained artists who often ignored intellectual artistic norms and painted from their conscience. Most importantly though Dubuffet mixed his oil based paints with other materials such as sand and straw to give his paintings additional texture. Dubuffet became occupied with primitive, savage and native art forms. He believed that art was a primordial experience that was simple and organic striving to make a universal art.