Hantai, Simon

Simon Hantaï was born in December 1922 in Bia, Hungary, and died in September 2008 in Paris, aged 85. After studying fine art in Budapest, he settled in Paris in 1948.

Biography of Simon Hantaï

Simon Hantaï, born December 7, 1922 in Bia, Hungary, is a major painter of the second half of the 20th century. His artistic career is marked by constant evolution and a relentless search for new pictorial techniques.

Arriving in Paris in 1948, Hantaï was quickly drawn to Surrealism. In 1952, he met André Breton, an emblematic figure of the movement, who prefaced his first exhibition at the Étoile scellée gallery. This Surrealist period, from 1950 to 1955, was crucial to Hantaï's artistic development.

From 1956 onwards, Hantaï gradually moved away from surrealism to explore a more gestural style of painting. This transition led him to abstraction, where he developed innovative techniques.

Between 1960 and 1962, Hantaï invented his signature technique: folding. This method involves folding and tying the canvas before painting, then unfolding it to reveal the final motif. This technique became his trademark, enabling him to create unique, captivating works.

Major series

Over the course of his career, Hantaï created several emblematic series:

  • Les Mariales (1960-1962)
  • Les Catamurons et les Panses (1963-1965)
  • Les Meuns (1967-1968)
  • Les Études et les Blancs (1969-1973)

In 1969, Hantaï abandoned oil painting in favor of acrylic, seeking a more neutral, inexpressive surface.

His retirement

In 1982, Hantaï took the radical decision to withdraw from the art world, refusing to exhibit in protest against the commercial speculation surrounding his work.

Simon Hantaï died on September 12, 2008, leaving behind a considerable artistic legacy. His influence on abstract painting remains significant, and his work continues to be celebrated in the contemporary art world.