Claude Viallat
  • Biography
  • Artworks
  • Studio
  • Exhibitions
  • Movements

Claude Viallat

France • 1936  476 followers

Painting is a reflection on forms and colors.

Biography

Claude Viallat, born in Nîmes in 1936, is a contemporary French painter. He trained as an artist at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier from 1955 to 1959, then at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1962-1963, where he studied in Raymond Legueult's studio.

In 1966, Viallat adopted a process based on the use of prints, marking a radical break with lyrical and geometric abstraction through the technique known as All-over. He repeated a neutral form, neither natural nor geometric, on a free canvas without a stretcher, thus determining the composition of his works. In 1969, he became a founding member of the Supports/Surfaces group, a movement that challenged the traditional conventions of painting.

In addition to the success of his exhibitions in France, notably at the Centre Pompidou in 1982, and abroad, such as at the Venice Biennale in 1988, Claude Viallat has also devoted himself to teaching. He has taught at several art schools, including Nice, Limoges, Marseille and Nîmes (where he was director for many years), and at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Claude Viallat's sculptures are rooted in contemporary Chinese culture, while at the same time offering a subtle and pertinent understanding of the West. His approach to painting is reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy, where the resulting harmony of form is also a harmony of gesture. To paint, Viallat crouches over his supports, transforming this gesture into genuine creative gymnastics. Viallat's work is to be understood as a single principle with multiple ramifications and necessary internal metamorphoses. In 'Fragments', published in 1976, he wrote: 'The notion of repetition, of series or repetitions, becomes a de facto necessity. [...] A canvas - a piece - alone is nothing; it is the process - a system - that is important.

Now retired, Claude Viallat continues his exploratory research, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art through his unique and innovative approach to painting.

From October 27, 2023, to March 3, 2024, the Carré d'Art in Nîmes hosted a retrospective of Claude Viallat, attracting over 15,000 visitors. The exhibition covered the entire museum space, from floor to ceiling, offering a fully immersive experience in his work. In 2023, the Galerie Templon in Brussels presented new works by the artist, exploring innovative techniques and materials, enriching his chromatic palette and artistic approach. Set to open in 2025, the Claude Viallat Foundation, located in the former Saint-Joseph Chapel in Nîmes, will provide a permanent space for his work, solidifying his legacy in his hometown.

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Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 70 x 50 x 0.1 cm Print - 27.6 x 19.7 x 0 inch

$788

Painting, Empreintes bleues, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 22 x 13.5 x 0.2 cm Painting - 8.7 x 5.3 x 0.1 inch

Sold

Print, Sans titre 8, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 86 x 152 x 1.5 cm Print - 33.9 x 59.8 x 0.6 inch

$2,424

Print, Carton découpé n°3, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 64 x 52 x 2 cm Print - 25.2 x 20.5 x 0.8 inch

$1,454

Painting, 2015/266, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 276 x 99 x 1.5 cm Painting - 108.7 x 39 x 0.6 inch

$33,936

Painting, Empreintes rouges, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 22 x 13.5 x 0.1 cm Painting - 8.7 x 5.3 x 0 inch

$1,454

Painting, 011pp2021, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 35 x 70 x 0.1 cm Painting - 13.8 x 27.6 x 0 inch

$6,666

Painting, 008pp2021, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 35 x 70 x 0.1 cm Painting - 13.8 x 27.6 x 0 inch

$6,666

Painting, 010pp2021, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 35 x 70 x 0.1 cm Painting - 13.8 x 27.6 x 0 inch

$6,666

Painting, 1999, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 86 x 86 cm Painting - 33.9 x 33.9 inch

$18,180

Painting, 029/2023, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 102.5 x 141 x 0.1 cm Painting - 40.4 x 55.5 x 0 inch

$20,604

Print, Vacances bleues (vert), Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 120 x 115 x 0.2 cm Print - 47.2 x 45.3 x 0.1 inch

$2,424

Print, Composition, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 59 x 59 cm Print - 23.2 x 23.2 inch

$1,091

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 24 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 23.3 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.2 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 24 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Painting, 084, Claude Viallat

084

Claude Viallat

Painting - 393 x 138 x 1.5 cm Painting - 154.7 x 54.3 x 0.6 inch

$60,600

Painting, 342, Claude Viallat

342

Claude Viallat

Painting - 200 x 186 x 1.5 cm Painting - 78.7 x 73.2 x 0.6 inch

$48,480

Painting, 238, Claude Viallat

238

Claude Viallat

Painting - 330 x 40 x 1.5 cm Painting - 129.9 x 15.7 x 0.6 inch

$30,300

Painting, 2007/164, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 113 x 149 x 1.5 cm Painting - 44.5 x 58.7 x 0.6 inch

$23,028

Painting, 197/2014, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 60 x 60 x 1.5 cm Painting - 23.6 x 23.6 x 0.6 inch

$12,120

Painting, 195/2023, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 145 x 231 x 2 cm Painting - 57.1 x 90.9 x 0.8 inch

$38,784

Painting, 474/2012, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 77 x 157 x 0.2 cm Painting - 30.3 x 61.8 x 0.1 inch

$23,028

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 23.8 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 23.8 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 23.8 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 24 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 24 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 24 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

$667

Painting, 116/2024, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 163 x 125 x 2 cm Painting - 64.2 x 49.2 x 0.8 inch

$21,816

Painting, 031, Claude Viallat

031

Claude Viallat

Painting - 290 x 108 x 2 cm Painting - 114.2 x 42.5 x 0.8 inch

$37,572

Painting, 169/1991, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 67 x 52 x 2 cm Painting - 26.4 x 20.5 x 0.8 inch

$18,180

Print, Carton découpé #2, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 82 x 100 x 2 cm Print - 32.3 x 39.4 x 0.8 inch

$2,182

Print, Carton découpé #1, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 59 x 57 x 2 cm Print - 23.2 x 22.4 x 0.8 inch

$1,454

Print, Sans titre 9, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 158.9 x 135 x 1.5 cm Print - 62.6 x 53.1 x 0.6 inch

$2,545

Print, Feria 1, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 58 x 46 cm Print - 22.8 x 18.1 inch

$957

Print, Sans titre 5, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 121 x 111.8 x 1.5 cm Print - 47.6 x 44 x 0.6 inch

$2,424

Print, Feria, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 70 x 50 x 0.1 cm Print - 27.6 x 19.7 x 0 inch

$485

Painting, 2022/183, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 112 x 140 x 1 cm Painting - 44.1 x 55.1 x 0.4 inch

$24,240

Painting, 2008/216, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 72 x 60 x 0.1 cm Painting - 28.3 x 23.6 x 0 inch

$14,544

Painting, 427/2019, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 61 x 180.5 x 0.5 cm Painting - 24 x 71.1 x 0.2 inch

$21,816

Painting, 299/2021, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 50.5 x 126 x 0.1 cm Painting - 19.9 x 49.6 x 0 inch

$14,544

Painting, Sans titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 170 x 200 x 1 cm Painting - 66.9 x 78.7 x 0.4 inch

$78,780

Painting, 2002/182, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 165 x 198 x 1 cm Painting - 65 x 78 x 0.4 inch

$32,724

Painting, 227/2019, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 94 x 121 cm Painting - 37 x 47.6 inch

$18,180

Painting, 2003/056, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 268 x 196 cm Painting - 105.5 x 77.2 inch

$44,844

Painting, 369/1999, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 122 x 110 cm Painting - 48 x 43.3 inch

$18,786

Painting, Sans titre n° 386, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 163 x 100 cm Painting - 64.2 x 39.4 inch

$26,543

Painting, 160/2021, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 237 x 144 cm Painting - 93.3 x 56.7 inch

$43,632

Painting, Sans titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 278 x 218 x 1 cm Painting - 109.4 x 85.8 x 0.4 inch

$54,540

Print, Sans titre 6, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 117 x 51 cm Print - 46.1 x 20.1 inch

$1,212

Print, Sans titre 8, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 86 x 152 cm Print - 33.9 x 59.8 inch

$2,424

Print, Sans titre 9, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 158.9 x 135 cm Print - 62.6 x 53.1 inch

$2,545

Print, 14e Prix Jacques-Goddet, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 43 x 31 cm Print - 16.9 x 12.2 inch

$594

Print, 7e Prix Denis-Lalanne, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 45 x 31 x 1 cm Print - 17.7 x 12.2 x 0.4 inch

$594

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 22.8 x 11 cm Print - 9 x 4.3 inch

$364

Print, Sans titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 69 x 69 cm Print - 27.2 x 27.2 inch

Sold

Print, Sans titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 64.2 x 49.2 cm Print - 25.3 x 19.4 inch

Sold

Painting, 023ppl1992, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Painting - 198 x 40 x 0.1 cm Painting - 78 x 15.7 x 0 inch

Sold

Print, Sans-titre, Claude Viallat

Claude Viallat

Print - 37.5 x 23.8 cm Print - 14.8 x 9.4 inch

Sold

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Need to know more?
How much does a Claude Viallat painting cost?
The price of a Claude Viallat painting generally ranges from €10,000 to €100,000, depending on the size, period, and provenance of the work. Major or historical pieces can fetch higher amounts at auction.
What is Claude Viallat's technique?
Claude Viallat uses the technique of painting on unstretched canvas, repeating an abstract motif in the form of a print. He is part of the Supports/Surfaces movement, exploring the materiality and structure of the pictorial support.
How does Claude Viallat work?
Claude Viallat works by repeating an abstract motif on unstretched, often raw canvases, which he colors with acrylics. In this way, he explores the materiality of the support and rejects the traditional frame of the painting.
Where does Claude Viallat live?
Claude Viallat lives and works in Nîmes, in the south of France. He continues his artistic practice there and remains deeply attached to his native region.