Jean-Paul Riopelle
/Jean-Paul Riopelle
October 7, 1923 - March 12, 2002
Born in Montreal, QC, Jean-Paul Riopelle (CC, GOQ, RCA) is internationally recognized as an important figure in abstraction throughout the 20th century and is one of the most significant artists in contemporary Canadian art.
Riopelle began his formal art training at the École des beaux-arts de Montréal in 1942, later opting to study at the less academic École du meuble, where he graduated from in 1945. During this time, he under Paul-Émile Borduas and became a member of the Automatiste art movement. He was one of the earliest signatories of the group’s manifesto, Refus global, which would be a milestone for the changing discourse on contemporary arts in Canada.
In 1947, Riopelle moved to Paris to live and work, further cementing his status as an artist of international renown. During his career, he would receive numerous awards and accolades, representing Canada at several biennales (São Paulo in 1952, Venice in1954 and again in 1962). His work has been the subject of numerous major retrospectives and exhibitions throughout North America and Europe.
