Jean Dubuffet Parcours, 1981 is a complex work that showcases Dubuffet’s technique and philosophy surrounding his art. Having coined the term ‘brut art’, or outsider art, Dubuffet experiments with the raw, expressionistic inspiration that teems from the innocent, unrefined style of prisoners, children, and the institutionalized. “I have a great interest in madness, and I am convinced art has much to do with madness,” Dubuffet said of his creative philosophy in 1952.

The 240-inch scroll is covered from end to end of unrefined, strange humanoid caricatures in a variety of expressions and positions. Grotesque figures pop out of the page, the distinct abstraction of the faces giving pause that asks you to focus without focusing, to see the differentials between each visage that stares back at you. Every part of the page is utilized to its capacity, accounting for the negative space to interweave and co-exist with the chaotic nature of the prints, converging into a unique space that overwhelms yet captivates the viewer. Unfortunately passing in 1985, only a few short years after Parcours was created, Dubuffet’s work continues to push the envelope as he has been the subject of landmark retrospectives in 2001, 2016, and in 2021 the Barbican Centre in London opened an exhibit that spanned the four decades of Dubuffet’s practice.

Created in 1981, Jean Dubuffet Parcours, 1981 is a screenprint on silk backed with rag paper mounted as a scroll on wooden dowels. Hand-signed by Jean Dubuffet (Le Havre, 1901- Paris, 1985) with the artist’s initials and date ‘J.D. 79’ in the lower right, this work is inscribed "H.C." (hors commerce) in red ink; aside from the numbered edition of 80. Published by Pace Editions, New York. This work is sold with the original wooden box.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Jean Dubuffet Parcours, 1981 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1. Webel, Sophie, Jean Dubuffet. Cataloge des travaux de Jean Dubuffet. Pace, New York, 1982. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1266.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.