Auguste Herbin: The Architect of Abstraction and His Lasting Legacy

Auguste Herbin, born on April 29, 1882, in Quievy, France, was a major figure in the abstract art movement, especially during the first half of the 20th century. He is known for his role in developing non-representational art and for founding the "Abstraction-Création" collective, which became a crucial platform for abstract artists in France and beyond.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1882-1920s)

Herbin’s journey into the world of art began at a young age. He left his hometown for Lille, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, developing a strong foundation in classical painting. In his early years, Herbin worked in the style of post-Impressionism, influenced by the likes of Van Gogh and Cézanne. His travels to Bruges and his exposure to Impressionist ideas led him to develop his unique approach, blending influences of Fauvism and Cubism in his earlier works.

By 1909, Herbin had moved into a studio in the Bateau-Lavoir in Paris, previously occupied by Picasso. During this period, he interacted with many leading figures of the Parisian avant-garde, which significantly shaped his artistic trajectory. His participation in major exhibitions, such as the *Salon des Indépendants* and the *Salon d’Automne*, helped solidify his place in the French art scene.

Auguste Herbin - Paysage Nocturne à Lille - 1909

Transition to Abstraction and the Founding of Abstraction-Création (1920s-1930s)

In the 1920s, after experimenting with both figurative and abstract works, Herbin definitively turned towards abstraction. He became deeply involved in exploring geometric abstraction, and by 1929, he had organized the *Salon des Surindépendants*, a platform for non-figurative artists. This transition marked the beginning of Herbin’s lifelong commitment to abstract art.

The *Abstraction-Création* group was founded in 1931 by Herbin, alongside Jean Hélion and Georges Vantongerloo. The collective emerged in response to the growing influence of Surrealism, which was seen as overshadowing abstract art in France. Their goal was to promote abstraction and provide a platform for artists working in non-representational styles. At its height, *Abstraction-Création* included over 400 artists, such as Mondrian, Arp, and Kupka, becoming a central hub for the abstract art movement in Europe. The group published a yearly magazine to showcase their work and ideas, helping to solidify the theoretical foundations of geometric abstraction.

Auguste Herbin - Composition 1, 2 et 3 - 1919

Artistic Evolution and Political Context (1930s-1950s)

Herbin’s abstract style continued to evolve during the 1930s and 1940s. His works became increasingly geometric, characterized by the use of bright colors and simplified shapes. In 1936, he participated in the “Cubism and Abstract Art” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, further establishing his international reputation.

During World War II and the Nazi occupation of France, Herbin, like many artists, faced significant challenges. He openly criticized Socialist Realism, which was promoted by the Communist Party, distancing himself from political ideologies that he found incompatible with his artistic vision. Nevertheless, his commitment to abstraction remained steadfast.

In 1946, Herbin published *L’art non figuratif non objectif*, a key text in which he outlined his philosophy of non-figurative art. This publication coincided with a period of intense artistic activity, as he produced some of his most notable works during the late 1940s and early 1950s. His art from this period was exhibited widely in Europe, including at major exhibitions in Buenos Aires and São Paulo.

Auguste herbin - Left: Synchronie en Jaune (1935)  - Right: Composition (1940)

Rarely Known Facts and Amusing Anecdotes

Auguste Herbin was a prolific artist, creating over 1,000 works throughout his career, spanning paintings, drawings, and sculptures. His extensive output is a testament to his dedication to the exploration of geometric abstraction and his development of a unique color theory. Galerie Lahumière in Paris represented him during most of his artistic life and still represents his estate nowadays, and owns an impressive collection of his works.

One of the most remarkable and little-known anecdotes about Herbin is tied to his *Alphabet Plastique*, a visual language he developed after suffering a stroke in 1953, which left his right side paralyzed. Unable to speak and paint as he once did, Herbin taught himself to paint with his left hand. He devised a system that transformed letters of the alphabet into specific geometric shapes and colors. This system allowed him to continue expressing himself artistically, despite his physical limitations. *Alphabet Plastique* became a major focus of his later work and was seen as a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to abstract art.

Additionally, Herbin’s methodical approach to painting bore similarities to his passion for chess. He would often spend hours contemplating the arrangement of shapes and colors in his works, much like a chess player planning moves several steps ahead. This approach highlighted the strategic and intellectual nature of his artistic process.

The Later Years (1950s-1960)

In the 1950s, a new generation of abstract artists began to emerge, many of whom were influenced by Herbin's work and ideas. He continued to be active in the art world, despite his stroke, which paralyzed the right side of his body. Remarkably, Herbin’s resolve allowed him to learn to paint with his left hand and create more masterpieces, showcasing the power of his determination.

Herbin passed away in Paris on January 31, 1960, at the age of 78. His contributions to abstract art, particularly through his role in the *Abstraction-Création* group, left a lasting legacy that influenced generations of artists after him.

Auguste Herbin - Generation (Left) and Charme (Right) - 1959

Focus on Abstraction-Création

The "Abstraction-Création" group, founded in 1931, was one of the most significant initiatives of Herbin’s career. At the time, abstract art was under pressure from both political forces and the rise of Surrealism, which dominated the avant-garde scene in France. Herbin, along with his co-founders, envisioned a collective that would advocate for the continued development and appreciation of non-representational art.

Around 400 members, including major artists like Naum Gabo, Wassily Kandinsky, and Piet Mondrian, joined the movement. 

It aimed at countering the dominance of figurative art and provided a platform for artists whose work did not fit into the narrative being constructed by Surrealism or Socialist Realism. By organizing exhibitions, publishing manifestos, and creating a network of like-minded artists, "Abstraction-Création" played a crucial role in keeping abstract art alive and relevant during a tumultuous period in European history.

The group's publications, particularly their annual magazine, served as both an exhibition space and a theoretical forum. Through these publications, Herbin and his colleagues articulated their vision for abstract art, arguing that it represented a pure, universal language that transcended national and political boundaries.

In many ways, "Abstraction-Création" laid the groundwork for the post-war abstract art movements, including both European and American developments such as Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. The group's emphasis on geometry, color, and form had a profound influence on artists across the world.

Auguste Herbin at Musée Montmartre (Paris) - Exhibition shot

Legacy

In honor of Herbin’s lasting influence, the Musée Montmartre in Paris recently hosted a comprehensive retrospective dedicated to his life and work. Pictures in this article were taken at the exhibition. 

Auguste Herbin’s contributions to abstract art are profound and far-reaching, particularly his resistance to the ideologies of Socialist Realism and his advocacy for non-figurative art during a time of great political and cultural upheaval.

As a visionary artist and a founding member of "Abstraction-Création", Herbin championed the cause of non-representational art during a time when figurative and politically charged art forms dominated the landscape. His unwavering commitment to geometry, color theory, and formal abstraction helped shape the course of modern art, influencing generations of artists who followed.

Through his development of the Alphabet Plastique, his dedication to the universal potential of abstract forms, and his role in fostering a community of like-minded artists, Herbin carved out a unique space for abstraction in the 20th century. His legacy is not just one of artistic innovation but also one of resilience, as he continued to produce influential work even after facing significant physical challenges later in life. Today, his ideas remain central to our understanding of abstract art, and his work continues to inspire artists who seek to push the boundaries of form and color.

The Spirit of Abstraction-Creation lives on

IdeelArt's commitment to non-figurative art mirrors the foundational principles of the Abstraction-Creation movement with remarkable precision. Indeed, a significant portion of our represented artists create works that would have found natural alignment with the movement's core values had it continued beyond 1936. Their dedication to geometric precision, mathematical relationships, and pure non-figurative expression echoes the movement's original vision. Below, we present a carefully curated selection of contemporary works that embody the spirit of Abstraction-Creation - pieces that demonstrate how the movement's revolutionary principles continue to inspire and shape abstract art in the twenty-first century. Each work showcases the enduring relevance of pure abstraction while bringing fresh perspectives to this historic artistic tradition.