Francis Picabia

Date of Birth: January 22, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 30, 1953

Biography

Francis Picabia was a prominent French avant-garde painter, poet, and typographic artist born on January 22, 1879. He is best known for his involvement in the Dada movement, which challenged traditional art forms and embraced absurdity and anti-art sentiments. Picabia’s work spans various styles, including Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract art, and Surrealism, reflecting his dynamic and often controversial approach to art. Picabia was born in Paris to a Cuban father of Spanish descent and a French mother. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, where he initially adopted an Impressionist style. His early works were well-received, but he soon grew restless and began to experiment with different artistic movements. In the early 1910s, Picabia became involved with the Cubist movement, but he quickly moved on to become a leading figure in the Dada movement after meeting Marcel Duchamp in New York. His Dada works were characterized by their mechanical and abstract forms, often incorporating text and nonsensical elements. Throughout his career, Picabia was known for his rebellious spirit and his disdain for conventional art. He published the Dada magazine “391” and later became associated with the Surrealist movement. His later works often featured erotic and provocative imagery, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art. Picabia continued to create and exhibit his work until his death on November 30, 1953, in Paris. His legacy remains influential in the world of modern and contemporary art.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Picabia

1. Francis Picabia was a close friend and collaborator of Marcel Duchamp, another key figure in the Dada movement.

2. He published a Dada magazine called “391” from 1917 to 1924, which featured contributions from various avant-garde artists and writers.

3. Picabia’s series of “mechanomorphic” paintings, which depicted abstract mechanical forms, were a significant departure from traditional art styles and became iconic of the Dada movement.

4. He was a prolific writer and poet, often using his literary works to challenge and critique the art establishment.

5. Picabia’s work influenced future art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Picabia

1. “Our heads are round so our thoughts can change direction.”

2. “The only way to be followed is to run faster than the others.”

3. “If you want to have clean ideas, change them as often as your shirt.”

4. “Art is not the most sublime mission of the human mind, it is just a way to have fun.”

5. “The world is divided into two categories: failures and unknowns.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures for Francis Picabia’s net worth during his lifetime are not readily available, his works have sold for millions of dollars at auction in the years following his death, indicating his significant posthumous financial success.