Jean-Michel Atlan

Jean-Michel Atlan's works can be found here.

Jean-Michel Atlan was born in Constantine, Algeria, in 1913.

After completing his studies in Constantine, he moved to Paris in 1930 and continued his education at Sorbonne University, aiming to obtain a bachelor's 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 instead writing surrealist poetry, sometimes accompanying his poems with simple sketches.

Atlan began painting seriously in 1941, during the war. His early works were expressionistic. He became involved in the Resistance movement and was arrested by the German army, but he successfully escaped by feigning insanity while interned at 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 his extensive exhibition activities that followed.

From 1945 onwards, Atlan began creating abstract and fantastical works with animal forms. These works were strongly influenced by the primitive expression of COBRA, and he also participated in the group's exhibitions.

Around 1956, Jean-Michel Atlan's style became even more established. Thick, winding black lines surrounded pastel-toned color fields, forming compositions that evoked organic and botanical associations. His themes revolved around struggles and fantasies arising from an agnostic and biological worldview.

In 1956, Atlan's art took a significant turn when he created the poster for the "New School of Paris" exhibition at the Galerie Charpentier in Paris, and through an exhibition at the Galerie Bing in Paris. In the 1950s, he was considered one of the most important painters representing the "New School of Paris," gaining high acclaim not only in France but also in Japan, the UK, and the US.

Atlan died of cancer in Paris in 1960.

In 1963, a retrospective exhibition was held at the Musée National d’Art Moderne, honoring his legacy. He left behind approximately 220 works, including tapestries and illustrated works.