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Jean Dewasne on the Resurgence of Abstract Painting in 1950s Paris

publication · 2026-04-23

Jean Dewasne addresses the unexpected revival of abstract painting in Paris during the 1950s. He notes that many young painters of that period were largely unfamiliar with the historical avant-garde movements of the 1920s and 1930s. This lack of direct knowledge about earlier abstract traditions contributed to a distinct resurgence in the post-war era. The discussion focuses on the specific conditions in Paris that fostered this artistic renewal.

Key facts

  • Jean Dewasne discusses abstract painting in 1950s Paris
  • The resurgence of abstract painting occurred in the 1950s
  • Many young painters were unfamiliar with the 1920s-1930s avant-garde
  • The historical avant-garde was not well-known to younger artists
  • The conversation examines reasons for the painting's revival
  • Paris was the central location for this artistic development
  • The discussion was published in 1988
  • The source is an article from artpress magazine

Entities

Artists

  • Jean Dewasne

Institutions

  • artpress

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources