Sans titre (1965) Printmaking by Arman

Armand Fernandez, known by his artistic pseudonym Arman, was born on November 17, 1928, in Nice, France. He emerged as a prominent figure in the art world during the mid-20th century, renowned for his contributions to the Nouveau Réalisme movement.

Arman's early life was influenced by his exposure to his father's antique business, where he developed a keen interest in objects and their significance. After studying at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Nice and the École du Louvre in Paris, Arman began experimenting with avant-garde ideas, eventually co-founding the Nouveau Réalisme movement in 1960 alongside artists such as Yves Klein and Jean Tinguely.

At the core of Arman's artistic practice was a fascination with accumulation, consumption, and the material culture of modern society. He became renowned for his "accumulations," where he assembled everyday objects—such as clocks, musical instruments, or cutlery—into densely packed sculptural compositions. These accumulations often explored themes of mass production, consumerism, and the disposability of objects in contemporary life.

In addition to his accumulations, Arman also created "poubelles" (French for "trash cans"), where he encased objects in transparent resin blocks, freezing them in time and transforming their everyday utility into aesthetic contemplation. His works challenged traditional notions of art by elevating banal objects into the realm of high art, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with material culture.

Throughout his career, Arman's artistic exploration extended beyond sculpture to include painting, printmaking, and performance art. He was known for his bold experimentation with different media and techniques, always pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Arman's impact on the art world was profound, influencing subsequent generations of artists exploring themes of consumption, mass production, and the role of objects in contemporary society. His works are housed in prestigious collections worldwide, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in the Nouveau Réalisme movement endures, underscoring his enduring relevance in the realm of modern and contemporary art.

Armand Fernandez, or Arman, passed away on October 22, 2005, leaving behind a rich and varied body of work that continues to captivate and provoke audiences, challenging them to rethink their perceptions of art and material culture in the modern age.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1928
• Artistic domains: Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists Artists presented by a gallery

The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine:

Arman: The Evolution of Everyday Objects in Art