Raoul
Ubac
Raoul Ubac, a Belgian-born artist, was a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement and post-war European art scene, known for his innovative photographic techniques and later sculptural works. If you're looking for Raoul Ubac original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.
Raoul Ubac art for sale
Discover Raoul Ubac prints for sale, exclusively available through our private network of collectors. Explore signed and unsigned screenprints, lithographs, digital prints, and rare editioned proof prints by era-defining blue chip artists.
Sell Your Art
with Us
with Us
Join Our Network of Collectors. Buy, Sell and Track Demand
Biography
Born on 31 August 1910 in Cologne, Germany, Raoul Ubac spent his early childhood between Cologne and Frankfurt before his family moved to Malmedy, Belgium, in 1919. Ubac's artistic journey began with his travels across Europe in the late 1920s, which exposed him to diverse cultures and artistic influences.
In 1930, Ubac arrived in Paris, initially enrolling at the Sorbonne to study literature. However, his passion for art soon led him to the vibrant Montparnasse district, where he encountered members of the Surrealist movement. This exposure would shape the trajectory of his artistic career.
Ubac's early work was primarily focused on photography, a medium through which he began to explore Surrealist ideas and techniques. His association with key figures of the movement, including André Breton and Man Ray, further influenced his artistic development.
Ubac's photographic work between 1934 and 1942 marked a significant period in his career. He embraced Surrealism, contributing to the influential magazine Minotaure. His photographic techniques, such as brûlage (burning) and solarisation, produced striking, dreamlike images.
One of Ubac's most notable works from this period is La Nébuleuse (1939), an enigmatic image created using his brûlage technique. This photograph exemplifies Ubac's ability to transform reality into surreal, enigmatic compositions.
In the 1940s, Ubac began to shift away from photography towards painting and sculpture. This transition marked a new phase in his career, focusing on abstract forms and the materiality of his chosen mediums.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Ubac gained recognition for his slate reliefs and engravings. These works, characterised by their austere beauty and subtle textures, reflected Ubac's connection to nature and his interest in primitive art forms. His 1960 engraving Owl, now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, exemplifies this later period, showcasing his mastery of the slate medium and his ability to convey intricate forms through minimal means.
Ubac's diverse output gained recognition in the post-war period. He participated in numerous exhibitions, including shows at the Galerie Maeght in Paris, which began representing him in 1946. His work was also featured in international exhibitions, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in European Modern Art.