François Desnoyer Biography

François Desnoyer was born in Montauban, France on 30 September 1894. Determined to pursue a career as an artist, Desnoyer moved to Paris in 1912, where he studied for one year, until 1914, at the École des Arts Décoratifs. His studies were interrupted by the First World War where he attained the rank of sergeant, and at the end of the War in 1918 he returned to Montauban. In 1921 Desnoyer then moved back to settle in Paris, recommencing his artistic career, which he pursued with energy and passion. Simultaneously influenced by both Cubist and Fauvist movements, he united the rigid construction and geometrical framework of Cubism with the intensity of colour of Fauvism, developing his unique style. The originality was being able to find unity in these apparent contradictions. He also found the stimulation in the company of, and working with other artists such as Marcel Gromaire, André Lhote and Albert Marquet an equal inspiration. During the 1930s and 40s, François Desnoyer exhibited in Paris, especially at the Salon des Indépendants. After the Second world War, he settled in Sète on the Mediterranean coast and also worked in Algiers. In 1952 he participated in the Venice Biennale with Fernand Léger and Raoul Dufy, and in 1962 established the ’Fondation Desnoyer’ at Saint-Cyprien near Perpignan as a centre for artists in residence and contemporary art exhibitions. Continuing his travels in Asia; namely Japan, Hong Kong and India, he painted and exhibited his work in each country, having achieved an international reputation by this time. Desnoyer died 21 July 1972 at age 77 at Saint-Cyprien in the Pyrénées.

Artist's Statement

Simultaneously influenced by both Cubist and Fauvist movements, Desnoyer united the rigid construction and geometrical framework of Cubism with the intensity of colour of Fauvism, developing his unique style.