Jean Dubuffet // Barbican

We braved a grey London day and took a trip to the Barbican to see the highly anticipated Jean Dubuffet show, Brutal Beauty. The first survey of his works in over 50 years the exhibition showcases four decades of the artists practice.

Jean Dubuffet. Brutal Beauty

Barbican

Monday 17th May – Sunday 22nd August 2021

From painterly collages to large scale theatre works we’ve chosen some of our favourites pieces from the exhibition. We love these early lithograph prints created using oil, wax and water as well as the artists portrait commissions from the 1950’s.

The exhibition shows the artists experimental and varied use of materials throughout his career including landscapes crafted from found butterfly wings and sculpted forms of rusted car parts.

Jean Dubuffet, butterfly wings.

Alongside his own works, pieces are displayed from the artists Art Brut collection. Known for championing artists working outside of the typically artists culture of the time, Jean Dubuffet was heavily influenced by these artists and they profoundly impacted his approach to making art. Some of our favourites pieces from this exhibition were found in the rooms of his personal collections.

Art Brut collection.

The show is an extensive portrayal of an artists that was constantly creating and questioning the way we perceive art. There’s so much to explore in this exhibition that we highly recommend you take a look for yourself!

Booking is recommended and tickets cost £18.

One of our favourite parts of any exhibition at the Barbican Centre is exploring the grounds with a coffee after the show. Our gallery artists seem to love the Barbican just as much as we do….

Shop Barbican inspired artworks here!