André Masson

the long version

Andre Masson (1896-1987) was one of the major early French Surrealist painters. A close friend of Andre Breton, Joan Miro, and Max Ernst, he joined the Surrealist movement in the early 20s, then disassociated with it in the early 30s, focusing instead on the human condition - the fundamental impulses of love and hatred - and reacting to the Spanish Civil War. In the early 40s, Masson moved to America and became interested in mythical imagery. Many of his paintings from this period show a focus on African American and Native American myths, and the style of his expression and brushwork influenced many young American painters. This survey presents the full range of Masson's work, from his Surrealist period to the later, more mythical subjects. Dawn Ades's text provides an authoritative and thoughtful introduction to the ideas behind Masson's work.