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Armand Avril
Colourful Mixed Media Sculptural 'Montage' , Manau Tupapau. Hommage to Gaugin.

2004

About the Item

Gaugin inspired 21st Century montage titled 'Manau Tupapau' (spirit of the dead watching) by French artist, Armand Avril. Mounted and presented in a custom built painted tray frame and signed and dated 2004 both front and back with a later sketch of his favourite dog Dimar in repose to the reverse. This montage fully demonstrates Avril's inspiration drawn from tribal art and Gaugin's famous painting of a Tahitian nude whilst also expressing the humour and joy that he puts into all his work. A very strong sculptural image and a feast for the eyes in searching for and recognising the materials used in making this piece come alive. This montage is made from carved wood pieces, paint, clothespegs and cardboard . Armand Avril was born in 1926 in Lyon. His father, Marcel Avril was a painter and collector of African art. At 16 Armand became an apprentice shepherd in Provence. Avril could always be seen equipped with a sketchbook and a book on the history of art whilst tending his flock. It was not until the age of 30, in 1956, that Armand embarked on painting as an autodidact, influenced by Raoul Dufy, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse and the Lyonnaise School of Painting. He exhibited for the first time in 1957. In 1960, he left for a one-year trip to Africa. There he met the painter Jean Arène who introduced him to the village of Cotignac in the Var and to Louis Pons, painter and assembler of objects. Later, Armand discovered the work of Gaston Chaissac and Kasimir Malevich. His year spent in Africa marked a turning point in his life. After his return Avril settled in Cotignac and gave a new direction to his creations. From that point on he started creating “montages” by assembling various salvaged objects onto wooden panels. Champagne corks, clothes pegs, piano keys, used gun cartridges, pieces of wood, fabric or cardboard, are sawn, cut, organized, glued and painted. Lively, colourful and often humorous works are born. Paul Gauzit, from the Le Lutrin gallery in Lyon, encouraged him in this process and organized his first one man show in 1970. In 2008, the Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon devoted a major exhibition to Avril. His works are now part of the museum's permanent exhibition. Avril's works are held in major international collections and museums.
  • Creator:
    Armand Avril (1926, French)
  • Creation Year:
    2004
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 32.29 in (82 cm)Width: 22.52 in (57.2 cm)Depth: 1.74 in (4.4 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Cotignac, FR
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: GB/Avril/ManauTupapau.1stDibs: LU143029547462

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'Femme Assise'. Large Mixed-media Montage on Board.
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Imposing and very large scale mixed media 'assemblage' by French artist Armand Avril. The work includes the French tricolour flag colours, his symbolic cat sculptures and a highly colourful geometric image of the artist's mother sitting in a chair. The work is signed and dated to the reverse and comes with a certificate of authenticity from the gallery. This montage fully demonstrates Avril's geometric period whilst also expressing the humour and joy that he puts into all his work. A very strong sculptural image and a feast for the eyes in searching for and recognising the everyday objects used in making this piece come alive. This montage is made from wood pieces, plywood, oil paint, acrylic, bottle top and nails . The more sculpted areas of the piece stand out up to 3cm from the frame. Armand Avril was born in 1926 in Lyon. His father, Marcel Avril was a painter and collector of African art. At 16 Armand became an apprentice shepherd in Provence. Avril could always be seen equipped with a sketchbook and a book on the history of art whilst tending his flock. It was not until the age of 30, in 1956, that Armand embarked on painting as an autodidact, influenced by Raoul Dufy, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse and the Lyonnaise School of Painting. He exhibited for the first time in 1957. In 1960, he left for a one-year trip to Africa. There he met the painter Jean Arène who introduced him to the village of Cotignac in the Var and to Louis Pons...
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