About the artist:
André Beaudin developed his individual style during the 1930’s and became regarded as one of the leading painters of the École de Paris. His technique has its origins in the early 1920’s. By that time Cubism had become a formulaic and intellectualised system of painting which left little artistic liberty to its adherents. Beaudin was one of the first younger artists to have reacted pictorially against the continuation of the movement, and though considered a descendant of Cubism and especially of his friend Juan Gris, the art of Beaudin became a search for all that was contrary to formula. He relished the freedom to paint intuitively, creating lyrical harmonious compositions for which he is internationally renowned.
Having studied at the École des Art Décoratifs in Paris from 1911-1913, Beaudin was called up to serve during WWI, so his artistic motivation was suppressed until he visited Italy in 1921 with his new wife Suzanne Roger. On his return to Paris he began to paint zealously and in 1922 his close friend André Masson introduced him to Max Jacob who organised an exhibition for Beaudin the following year at Galerie Percier. The success of this show lead to further shows over the next few years at Galerie Georges Bernheim and Galerie Simon.
In 1937 Beaudin exhibited at the International Paris exhibition, and the following year participated in the L’Art Français Exhibition in Buenos Aires. By the 1940’s he had established an international reputation and held major solo shows in Dublin, 1947; New York and Zurich, 1949; Berne 1953; Stockholm, 1956; Maison de la Culture du Harvre, 1962; Chicago, 1967; Milan, 1970; Grand Palais, Paris, 1970. Also major group shows including École de Paris, Berne 1946; Carnegie International, Pittsburgh, 1950; School of Paris, Royal Academy, London, 1951; Biennale de Sao Paulo, 1951, 1955; Art from France, Museum of Art, San Francisco, 1956; École de Paris, Tate Gallery, London, 1962; Venice Biennale, 1964. He was furthermore awarded the prestigious Grand Prix National des Arts in 1962 in recognition of his contribution to Modern Art.
