Gen Paul (full name Eugène Paul) was a French Expressionist artist, born on July 2, 1895, in Paris, where he spent most of his life until his death on April 30, 1975. Coming from a modest background, he grew up in the vibrant district of Montmartre.
A self-taught painter, Gen Paul began creating art at an early age, inspired by the artistic environment that surrounded him. He was introduced to printmaking by Eugène Delâtre, but it was his encounter with figures such as Juan Gris that encouraged him to develop his own distinctive style.
By the 1920s, Gen Paul had established himself within French Expressionism. His works are notable for their vivid colors and dynamic, distorted forms. He formed close friendships with artists and writers such as Louis-Ferdinand Céline and Maurice Utrillo, contributing to an artistic and intellectual circle united by ideals of freedom and creativity.
In 1928, his work was exhibited alongside contemporary masters such as Pablo Picasso and Chaïm Soutine, which brought significant recognition to his unique approach. During his lifetime, Gen Paul achieved considerable renown: his works entered international collections, his artistic vision attracted influential patrons, and his Montmartre studio became a gathering place for the Parisian cultural elite.
Through his paintings, Gen Paul conveyed an optimistic and vibrant vision of life, positioning himself as a precursor of Abstract Expressionism. Today, his legacy endures as that of a major figure in 20th-century French art.
