Born in Caen, in the Calvados region of Normandy in 1948, Messac is widely considered one of the foremost artists of the ‘Figuration Narrative’ Movement in 1970’s, Messac worked alongside noted artists such as Erro, Jacques Monory and Peter Klassen. Leading critics have praised his work, among which are Jean-Louis Pradel and Jose Pierre.
As a splinter of the Pop Art Movement in Continental Europe, with its roots in France, the Figuration Narrative Movement was created in the mid-60’s, and can be distinguished from Pop Art mainly by the political commitment of the artists with which it is associated. Believing Pop Art to be too far removed from the societal problems of the 1960’s and 70’s, these artists sought to highlight key political issues and conflicts, ranging from the Vietnam War and the Carnation Revolution of Portugal to the civil unrest in France during May of 1968.
A polymath, Messac’s knowledge of and passion for literature, history and social criticism inspire and enrich the subject of his works. Indeed, throughout his work Messac’s inspiration ranges from Greek mythology to contemporary social critique.
His series ‘Absolute Minority’ is the most notable example of the latter; first exhibiting three paintings in 1971 in memory of the persecuted American Indians, Messac proceeded to spend a further three years producing dozens of works on the same theme. These pieces drew critical acclaim and established Messac as a leading artist within the Figuration Narrative movement.
In medium Messac’s work is not totally removed from the Pop Art Movement. Taking his inspiration from photographs and newspaper articles, his use of bold colour, text and contemporary icons such as rock stars and celebrities, calls to mind the work of Andy Warhol. As one of the first artists to use stencil as a primary medium, the aesthetic of Messac’s works further cements the link between this most important movement of 1960’s and the principle artistic movement in France of the 1970’s. Throughout his work, we witness the creative developments happening in France from the late 70’s onwards.
In 1983 Messac began experimenting with different mediums from sculpture to marble work, his work gaining considerable acclaim. However, it is his interest in painting that has endured – always returning to it, the pop movement of his youth remaining a consistent and unwavering theme throughout his works.
HdM GALLERY is pleased to be exhibiting Messac’s most recent paintings. Taking inspiration from the effect of torchlight upon sculpture, Messac seeks to represent in 2D the additional transformative shapes this effect creates – the influences of the pop movement still rooted firmly in his compositions.
Shown and collected extensively in institutions and galleries, Messac has exhibited his work at the Centre Georges Pompidou, PARIS; the Musée du Quai Branly, PARIS; and La Patinoire Royale, BRUSSELS.