Jean Helion (1904-1987) The Dancers

Watercolor painting gouache and ink on paper Art Deco period 1930-40 signed Hélion (Jean Hélion 1904-1987) beautiful composition abstract volumes suggesting human forms depicting dancers graphic circled with a dark line, presented in his vintage frame carved patinated wood with wavy pattern. Good condition, dimensions: 54 cm X 46 cm / frame: 77 cm X 69 cm Painter born in Couterne, in Normandy, Jean Hélion first studied architecture in Paris. From 1920, he turned to geometric abstraction by linking to Mondrian, Léger, Calder. In 1930, he founded the group "Abstraction-Creation" with Arp, Herbin, Delaunay, Gleizes, Kupka ... After a first stay in the United States, in 1932, he became one of the important actors of abstraction and then exhibits in New York. However, in 1939, Jean Hélion abandons abstract compositions and turns to figuration before joining the French army. Returning to the United States, from 1942, Jean Hélion is again exhibited at the Galerie Paul Rosenberg and at the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery, where he married the girl, Pegeen. However, its evolution towards figuration defies the public who does not follow it in this figurative way. His works become a wonder in front of everyday things and are those of an explosion of acid colors. Galeries Renou and Colle, Louis Carré and Karl Flinker expose it frequently. Several retrospectives, the Grand Palais in 1970, or Pompidou in 2004 also paid tribute to him.