Jacques Monory, né le 25 juin 1924 à Paris et décédé dans la même ville le 17 octobre 2018, est un artiste peintre français majeur du mouvement de la Figuration narrative. Monory, également photographe et cinéaste, a étudié à l'École nationale supérieure des arts appliqués et des métiers d'art, où il a développé un style unique mêlant peinture, photographie et cinéma. Représenté par la galerie Light Cone, Monory a été honoré en 2018 du titre de Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres pour sa contribution significative à l'art visuel contemporain.
Artist Biography: Jacques Monory
Jacques Monory, born on June 25, 1924, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, emerged as a defining figure in the French art movement known as Narrative Figuration. This movement, which arose in the 1960s, positioned itself as a counterpoint to the prevailing abstract art of the time, emphasizing storytelling through visual representation. Monory's early artistic journey began with a formal education in decorative painting at the École des Arts Appliqués de Paris, where he honed his skills and developed a unique aesthetic. He subsequently worked for a decade at the art publishing house Robert Delpire, where he interacted with renowned photographers like Robert Frank, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and William Klein, experiences that significantly influenced his artistic perspective. Monory's work is distinguished by its distinctive use of monochrome, particularly shades of blue, which became a signature element of his style. This color choice imbued his paintings with a cold, detached quality, often reflecting themes of violence, alienation, and the darker aspects of contemporary life. His art frequently drew on cinematic and photographic sources, incorporating elements that blurred the lines between reality and fiction. Monory's fascination with cinema and comics also played a crucial role in shaping his narrative style, which often depicted scenes reminiscent of film noir, imbued with a sense of suspense and unease.
In the broader context of Narrative Figuration, Monory's work stood out for its incisive critique of modern society. His paintings, which often featured sequences or series, explored the anxieties and obsessions of the time, addressing issues such as consumerism, urbanization, and the pervasive influence of media. These themes were not only visual but also conceptual, as Monory sought to engage viewers in a dialogue about the nature of reality and perception. His use of a photographic and cinematic aesthetic allowed him to create a visual language that was both familiar and unsettling, inviting viewers to question the authenticity of the images presented. Beyond painting, Monory was an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, further expanding his artistic repertoire. His experimental films, such as "EX-" (1968), "Brighton Belle" (1974), and "La Voleuse" (1984), explored similar themes as his paintings, often delving into existential questions and the human condition. These films, along with his visual art, contributed to a cohesive body of work that was both visually striking and intellectually provocative. Monory's impact on the art world was significant, with his work being featured in numerous prestigious international galleries and museums. He held his first solo exhibition in 1955 at Galerie Kleber in Paris, marking the beginning of a prolific career that spanned several decades. His contributions to the art world were recognized through various honors, including being named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2018. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, with several monographs and critical essays exploring his work, including writings by notable authors such as Jean-François Lyotard.
Jacques Monory passed away on October 17, 2018, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate with audiences. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of Château-Chalon, a place he cherished and often visited to paint and find inspiration. In recognition of his contributions to art and culture, a street in the 13th arrondissement of Paris has been named in his honor. Monory's work remains a poignant reminder of the power of art to reflect and critique the complexities of contemporary life, and his legacy as a leading figure in Narrative Figuration continues to inspire new generations of artists and viewers alike.
Figuration narrative
Figuration Narrative, also known as Narrative Figuration, emerged in the 1960s in France, primarily in Paris, as an artistic movement reacting against the dominant abstraction and contemporary movements like Nouveau Réalisme and Pop Art. Unlike the broader figurative narration, which combines images with text, Figuration Narrative focused on storytelling through imagery alone, often structured in sequences or polyptychs. This movement sought to reintroduce a critical and political dimension to painting, reflecting everyday reality and critiquing consumer culture. Influenced by sources such as comics, cinema, photography, and advertising, the artists created works that encapsulated contemporary societal issues. The movement was notably influenced by the radical politics of the late 1960s, particularly the leftist ideologies of May 1968. Artists like Eduardo Arroyo, Hervé Télémaque, and Bernard Rancillac played significant roles, but Jacques Monory became one of its most prominent figures. Monory's works, characterized by their monochrome palettes and cinematic compositions, explored themes of violence, alienation, and the anxieties of modern life, often delving into the ambiguities and contradictions of the contemporary world. His approach, rich with photographic and cinematic references, positioned him as a poignant commentator on societal conditions. The exhibition "Mythologies quotidiennes" in 1964, organized by Rancillac and Télémaque along with art critic Gérald Gassiot-Talabot, was a pivotal moment for the movement, showcasing the works of artists like Monory, Antonio Recalcati, and Öyvind Fahlström. This exhibition marked the movement's formalization, highlighting its opposition to Pop Art's perceived apolitical stance and its embrace of consumerism. Figuration Narrative artists not only adopted modern Pop aesthetics but also sought to propagate societal changes, often incorporating elements of Critical Realism into their works. The movement continued into the 1970s, spreading beyond France to countries like Spain, where it served as a means to combat censorship through art. As a collective, these artists created works like the polyptych "Vivre et laisser mourir ou la Fin tragique de Marcel Duchamp," which exemplified their critique of bourgeois art conventions and promoted a more anonymous, collective approach to art-making. Jacques Monory's involvement in Figuration Narrative and his distinctive style significantly contributed to the movement's development and legacy, establishing him as a central figure in its history and a vital voice in the artistic discourse of his time.
CIEL N°21 ÉTOILES ET MUR DE MÉTAL (1979) by Jacques Monory
Jacques Monory, CIEL N°21 ÉTOILES ET MUR DE MÉTAL, 1979. Painting.
Jacques Monory's CIEL N°21 ÉTOILES ET MUR DE MÉTAL (1979) exemplifies his unique approach within the Figuration Narrative movement, blending expressive and abstract elements to convey a rich narrative. The painting is dominated by sharp colors, with a gradient from pink to blue in the lower right corner and to yellow in the upper left corner, creating a vivid and dynamic visual experience. White dots and splashes are scattered throughout, adding depth and cohesion to the composition. In the lower left corner, a greyscale rectangular shape contrasts with the vibrant colors, possibly suggesting an unfinished portion or a different narrative layer. Monory's use of color and composition in this piece reflects his exploration of modern life's ambiguities, aligning with Figuration Narrative's focus on storytelling and critique of contemporary society. His work often delves into themes of violence and alienation, and this painting, with its striking use of color and form, captures the tension and complexity of these themes.
Iconic Artworks
Notable among his influential pieces are La Fin de Madame Gardénia (1966), which reflects his early narrative style, and Meurtres (1968-1969), a series that delves into themes of violence and alienation. His Velvet Jungle (1969-1971) and Dreamtigers (1970-1972) continue this exploration with surreal and emotive imagery, while N.Y. et U.S.A. (1971-1974) and Les Premiers Numéros du catalogue mondial des images incurables (1972-1974) offer a critical view of American culture and its global impact. The later series, such as Hommage à Caspar David Friedrich (1973-1976) and Technicolor(1976-1977), showcase Monory’s engagement with art historical references and his continued examination of societal themes through bold, monochromatic palettes. His later works, including Ciels, Nébuleuses et Galaxies (1978-1979) and Toxiques (1982-1983), further illustrate his commitment to exploring the tension between personal and collective narratives, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the Figuration Narrative movement. Jacques Monory's extensive bibliography includes notable works such as Document bleu (1970), Diamondback (1979), and Écrits, entretiens, récits (2014), reflecting his diverse contributions to art and literature. His art is represented in numerous prestigious public collections worldwide, including the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, the Fondation Maeght in France, and the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende in Chile. Monory's works are also featured in significant international institutions like the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Louisiana Museum for Modern Art in Denmark, showcasing his influential presence in both French and global art scenes.
Exhibition History
In 1971, Monory was featured in the influential ARC (Animation - Recherche - Confrontation) exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and later at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, marking his early prominence. His works continued to gain recognition with solo shows such as "Extraits" at the Ludwig Museum in Koblenz (2003) and "Roman-Photo" at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris (2008). The 2010s saw a series of retrospectives and thematic exhibitions, including "Évasion" at the Forteresse de Salses and "Mon cinéma" at the Fondation Stampfli in Sitges. Monory's influence was further acknowledged in international venues such as the Richard Taittinger Gallery in New York (2018) and the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (2020). His work has also been featured in collective exhibitions that span from the exploration of Figuration Narrative at the Villa Tamaris Pacha (2000) to the broader context of contemporary painting at the Centre Pompidou (2001).
Jacques Monory's artistic journey and contributions to the Figuration Narrative movement underscore a profound engagement with contemporary life and its complexities. From his early days in Paris to his impactful exhibitions worldwide, Monory's work has continually challenged and expanded the boundaries of visual storytelling. His distinctive style, characterized by a striking use of monochrome and cinematic elements, not only defined his unique artistic voice but also enriched the narrative fabric of his era. Through iconic works and his extensive exhibition history, Monory's art serves as a powerful reflection of modern anxieties and societal critiques, establishing him as a crucial figure in both French and global art history. His legacy, celebrated through numerous retrospectives and honors, remains a testament to the enduring relevance and impact of his visionary approach to art.
Selena Mattei
