Rico Lebrun Quotes

Painter
Italy
1900

Rico Lebrun was an Italian-American artist known for his powerful and expressive figurative paintings and sculptures. He was born in Naples, Italy in 1900 and immigrated to the United States in 1924. Lebrun’s early works were influenced by Renaissance art and classical mythology, but he later developed a more abstract and emotional style. He gained recognition for his murals and frescoes, including the controversial “The Rape of Persephone” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Lebrun also created haunting and visceral depictions of war and violence, reflecting his experiences as a World War II correspondent. He continued to experiment with different mediums and techniques throughout his career, leaving behind a diverse and impactful body of work. Lebrun’s legacy as a master of figurative art continues to inspire and influence artists today.Read Less

My aim is a continuous, sustained, uncontrived image, motivated by nothing but passion. Feraz Zeid, December 22, 2023, Rico Lebrun, Emotion, Motivated, Passion, 0

- Rico Lebrun

Painter

· Italy

You cannot simplify love by cutting away all but its essence. Feraz Zeid, December 22, 2023, Rico Lebrun, Essence, Simplify, 0

- Rico Lebrun

Painter

· Italy

Rico Lebrun Career Highlights

Lebrun’s career began in the 1920s when he worked as a muralist for the Federal Art Project, a New Deal program that provided employment for artists during the Great Depression.
In 1936, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Mexico and study the works of renowned muralists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Lebrun’s first solo exhibition was held in 1940 at the San Francisco Museum of Art, where he showcased his powerful and expressive paintings.
In 1941, he was commissioned by the US government to create a series of murals for the Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C.
Lebrun’s work gained international recognition in the 1950s when he exhibited at the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Art Biennial.
In 1960, he was awarded the prestigious Logan Medal of the Arts by the Art Institute of Chicago.
Lebrun’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Key Contributions by Rico Lebrun

Lebrun’s work is characterized by its raw and emotional intensity, often depicting the human figure in a distorted and fragmented manner.
He was heavily influenced by his study of ancient Greek and Roman art, as well as his interest in psychology and the human psyche.
Lebrun’s use of bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes added a sense of drama and tension to his paintings, making them stand out in the art world.
He was also known for his skill in various mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
Lebrun’s work often explored themes of war, violence, and the human condition, reflecting the tumultuous times he lived in.

What Sets Rico Lebrun Apart

Lebrun’s unique style and approach to art set him apart from his contemporaries. He rejected the popular abstract expressionism movement of the time and instead focused on figurative and narrative works.
His use of classical techniques and subject matter in a modern context made his work stand out and challenged traditional notions of art.
Lebrun’s ability to convey intense emotions and capture the human experience through his art was unparalleled, making him a pioneer in the field of figurative expressionism.

Takeaways

Rico Lebrun’s career highlights the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and not conforming to popular trends.
His dedication to exploring the human psyche and emotions through his art serves as a reminder of the power of art to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought.
Lebrun’s mastery of various mediums and his ability to seamlessly blend classical techniques with modern subject matter is a testament to his skill and versatility as an artist.
His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today, making him a significant figure in the history of American art.