| Papart, Max (1911-1994 ) Papart is one of the Masters of the second cubist generation, born from color and from the geometric demand of the composition.
Master printmaker, born in Marseille, he learned the techniques of classic engraving in 1936 in Paris. In 1960, he added to the classic processes the technique of etching with carborundum invented by his friend Henri Goetz. In the years 1969-73 Papart taught printmaking at the University of Paris VIII-Vincennes. He continues to make his own plates and to supervise the hand printing of his prints.
One of the most intriguing intellectual concepts which Papart achieves in his two-dimensional, semi-cubistic style is a "window" through which the viewer senses the past or future, or even another time or place. This development has become more pronounced since 1981 and in recent years it is seen even more graphically in such works as Circle, Indian Summer, Dreams, and Silent Woman. It has been said the Papart does not "paint," he "composes." His compositions come together in a symphony of line, shape and color.
Papart contends that he never attributes any specific meaning to his work. He feels that each painting has its own meaning and needs no interpretation from him. Papart's paintings, in his own words, "force the viewer to think, and it is for the viewer to respond to the art based on his own personal experiences."
Excerpted from "The Artist" by Kenneth Nahan, in "Max Papart, Master Prints and Other Works on Paper" published by the New Orleans Museum of Art.
EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS
(PARTIAL LIST)
Victoria and Albert Museum, London National Gallery, London Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris Musee Cantini, Marseilles Fondation Maeght, St. Paul de Vence Israel Museum, Jerusalem Indianapolis Museum of Art New Orleans Museum of Art High Museum, Atlanta Bibliotheque Nationale de l'Arsenal, Paris Salle de l'Aubette de la ville de Strasbourg Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art Jacksonville Art Museum Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Syracuse University U.C.L.A. Yale University Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe |
