Andre Masson

André Masson (1896-1987) was a French painter and graphic artist, known for his association with the Surrealist movement. Born in Balagny-sur-Thérain, Oise, Masson studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels before moving to Paris in 1921. He became involved with the Surrealists in the mid-1920s and was a close friend of Joan Miró. Masson's work often explored themes of violence, sexuality, and the subconscious, and he is credited with inventing the technique of automatic drawing, in which the artist allows their hand to move freely across the paper without conscious control. 

Masson's paintings often feature biomorphic forms and abstracted landscapes, and he was known for his use of sand and other materials to create textured surfaces. Some of his notable works include The Metamorphosis of the Lovers (1938) and Battle of Fishes (1926). During the Spanish Civil War, Masson's work took on a more political tone, and he created a series of paintings and drawings that expressed his opposition to fascism. 

In 1941, Masson moved to the United States, where he lived until 1945. During this time, he was influenced by Native American art and culture, which can be seen in works such as Indian Cosmos (1942). After returning to France, Masson continued to paint and exhibit his work, and he also wrote several books on art and philosophy. He died in Paris in 1987. Masson's work is held in numerous public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.