James Guitet

James Guitet, born on December 27, 1925 in Neuilly-sur-Seine and died on May 24, 2010 in Paris, was a French painter and engraver, renowned for his abstract approach and artistic design.

He studied at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts in Paris, where he was influenced by lyrical abstraction and modern contemporary art movements. He quickly developed an interest in the texture and materiality of paint, which became a central characteristic of his work.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Guitet made a significant impact on the art scene with his works that explored the interactions between surface, material, and light. He employed various techniques, often combining painting and engraving, to create works that challenge perception and depth. His use of subtle colors and abstract forms resulted in compositions that evoke inner landscapes and imaginative spaces.

Guitet also explored the medium of engraving, where he experimented with different textures and techniques, deepening his engagement with the tactile aspects of art.

James Guitet discovered Canada in 1963, when he exhibited in Montreal alongside Paul-Émile Borduas, Jean Dallaire, Albert Dumouchel, Charles Gagnon, Louis Jaque, Rita Letendre, Jean-Paul Riopelle, and others, as part of exchanges between the Camille Hébert and Robert Arnaud galleries. From then on, he regularly exhibited and stayed in Montreal with his wife, Lucette. He was featured in the 1967 Universal Exhibition, Terre des Hommes, and had a solo exhibition of his engravings at the French pavilion.

Throughout his career, James Guitet exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums worldwide. He participated in both group and solo exhibitions, notably at the Salon de Mai in Paris and various prestigious galleries in Europe and America. His work, celebrated for its originality and depth, earned him a significant place in contemporary abstract art.

Guitet's influence continues to inspire many contemporary artists, particularly those interested in abstraction and the materiality of painting.

James Guitet passed away on May 24, 2010 in Paris, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to be studied and admired. He remains a prominent figure in French lyrical abstraction, celebrated for his mastery of color and texture, as well as his relentless exploration of the possibilities offered by painting and engraving. 

Paintings by the painter can be found among others at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, Center Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts in Nantes.