Album #10 Cat No. 222, 1967

Jean-Paul Riopelle (b. 1923 Canada, d. 2002 Canada) was a pioneering Canadian artist known for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism and the Automatism movement. A member of the Les Automatistes group in the 1940s, Riopelle rejected traditional artistic conventions, embracing spontaneous, gestural techniques. His bold use of palette knives and thick, textured layers of paint created dynamic, mosaic-like surfaces that bridged European Surrealism and North American Abstract Expressionism.

Deeply inspired by nature, Riopelle's works often evoke organic forms, from sprawling landscapes to atmospheric patterns. His relationship with artist Joan Mitchell also left a profound impact on his artistic practice. Over the decades, his artistic journey evolved, incorporating various media, including sculpture and lithography, while maintaining his signature vigor and innovation. Riopelle remains a celebrated figure in 20th-century art, remembered for his energetic compositions and boundary-pushing techniques.