Jean-Michel Atlan
He was born in Constantine, Algeria, in 1913. After completing his studies in Constantine, he moved to Paris in 1930 and continued his studies at the Sorbonne University, aiming for a degree in philosophy. While preparing for classes, he worked as a teacher in various provincial schools until 1940. However, he was dismissed from his post by the Vichy Government and moved to Paris. At this time, he was not yet painting, but was writing surrealist poetry. Sometimes he would accompany his own poems with simple sketches.
It was during the war, in 1941, that Atlan began to paint seriously. His early works were expressionistic. He was involved in the Resistance movement and was arrested by the German army, but he managed to escape by feigning madness when he was committed to Sainte-Anne Hospital.
After the long-awaited liberation, Atlan participated in his first exhibitions (group and solo) in 1944. This year marked the beginning of numerous exhibition activities that would follow.
From 1945 onwards, Atlan began to create abstract and fantastical animal forms in his works. These were influenced by the strong primitivist expression of COBRA, and he also participated in exhibitions by the group.
Around 1956, Jean-Michel Atlan's style became more established. Thick, undulating black lines enclosed fields of pastel tones, creating compositions that evoked organic and botanical associations. His themes revolved around struggles and fantasies stemming from an agnostic and biological worldview.
In 1956, Atlan's art experienced a significant turning point when he created the poster for the "New School of Paris" exhibition at the Galerie Charpentier in Paris, and also through an exhibition at Galerie Bing in Paris. In the 1950s, he was considered one of the most important painters representing the "New School of Paris," earning high acclaim not only in France but also in Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Atlan died of cancer in Paris in 1960.
In 1963, a retrospective exhibition was held at the Musée National d’Art Moderne, already honoring his legacy. He left behind approximately 220 works, including tapestries and illustrations.