Born
in 1923, Barcelona
Self-taught.
He gave up law studies to devote himself entirely to
painting. He befriended several artist and writers,
especially those who founded “Dau el Set” magazine,
out of which arose surrealist group of the same name.
Tapies,
at the time, was producing paintings with international
literary content of an existentialist kind; but in his
heart, Tapies was hankering after adventure in painting,
after what he was to describe as a “leap into space”.
So, since he also wished to free his painting from his
literary commitment, he launched upon the adventure of
“abstract” art.
His
own particular brand of non-formalism contained some
elements of “mystery”, in which material substances
played a decisive role.
One
could safely claim that Tapies was laying foundations of
the second avant-grade in Spain.
His
last phase constitutes full recuperation of his freedom.
Then he painted totally unhampered by any kind of
imperative form.
Tapies
has held exhibitions in the most important cities of the
world and has been awarded some of the highest prizes
including one at Venice Biennial 1958, International
Guggenheim, “Carnegie” of Pittsburgh, …
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