Art Informel

Often regarded as the parallel counterpart to Abstract Expressionism, art informel refers to a group of highly gestural and spontaneous pictorial approaches which developed in the 1940s and 1950s across Europe. Informalists often used unconventional tools and techniques, such as brooms, rags, and sandpaper, to create textured and layered surfaces on their canvases. In many ways, the broadly diverse approaches of art informel found common ground in their revolutionary rejection of traditional artistic methods.

Over the years, the art informel movement has also been visually likened to Surrealism. However, where Surrealists sought to articulate highly complex concepts relating to the subconscious, informalists intended to evoke a sense of mystery and emotion in their audiences. Some of the key Informalists include Vassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Jean Dubuffet.

In recognition of this post-war movement, our experts have curated a selection of artists whose work reflects the boundless creativity of traditional art informel. Amongst some of our favorites, you'll find the work of Angel Alonso, Albert Pepermans and even Georges Mathieu.