Abstract Crescendo: Mübin's Colorful Evolution in
Post-War Paris
Arriving in Paris in 1947, Orhon Mubin (1924-1981) immersed himself in the world of French abstract expressionism, captivated by the evolving pictorial practices post-World War II. The aftermath of war, with its absurdity, doubt, and horror, compelled artists to abandon figurative representation, turning instead to the exploration of emotions, impulses, and the complexities of surface and space-time.
Mubin’s spontaneous and expressive approach aligns him with the Art Informel movement, a gathering of non-figurative artists associated with the Second School of Paris. His works from the fifties and sixties showcase freedom of gesture, expressive use of materials, and a distinctive play with color. Broad strokes, applied energetically and with elegance, create a rhythmic composition, imbuing the canvas with depth and intensity. The result is a painting that emanates a musical and poetic emotion.
Mubin’s deliberate use of color is pivotal to his artistic expression. Whether employing shades of red and orange to evoke passion or anger, or opting for a range of blues and grays to bring softness and calm, he carefully selects colors based on their psychological and emotional impact. Contrasting touches enliven the dominant color, ensuring a consistently intense emotional charge.
The years 1953-54 mark a turning point for Mubin as he secures a prominent place in the French art scene. Iris Clert, the renowned art dealer, hosts his first solo exhibition in 1956, solidifying his presence in the avant-garde Parisian gallery.
As the mid-1950s to the 1960s unfold, Mubin shifts away from geometric forms, embracing a Stael-like, Tachist phase characterized by expressive brush and spatula strokes on layers of paint. During this period, colors adopt a more subdued palette, establishing a relationship of tone rather than vibrant hues.
In the subsequent Abstract Expressionist phase extending into the 1970s, Mubin’s palette becomes more vivid, varied, and fluid. Colors spread across the canvas in a linear motion, projecting sentiments and thoughts. The exhibited work exemplifies this period, showcasing the evolution of Mubin’s artistic style.
In his later works, Mubin often explores a monochromatic style centered around a single geometric form, reflecting the continued evolution of his artistic expression.
Mubin Orhon associates with artists from the modern scene, such as César and Giacometti, and maintains a lasting friendship with the French painter Charles Maussion. Both, coming from the School of Paris, attract the attention of renowned collectors. The Sainsbury couple, buyers of modern and tribal art, are captivated by Mubin’s works. They purchase numerous paintings that find their place alongside the rest of their stunning acquisitions, including works by Edgar Degas, Modigliani, and other pieces by Francis Bacon.
