Gabriel GODARD Biography

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To speak about disguised representation or landscaped abstract expres­sionism in relation to Gabriel GODARD'S chosen path does not make much sense, in as much as in his work, both genres sustain each other and flow together in an identical codification of his field. Sometimes totally devoid of any relation to the tangible universe, sometimes swarming with organic or botanic reminiscences, his painting moves from allegory to what is behind. But from a distance, any deliberate narrative intention having been repudiated: sensation is paramount.

... - After a short initial period in oil GODARD turned to acrilic, eliminating any preparatory sketching, following and modulating the impulses of his hand, accentuating, diverting or stopping the stroke during the perambula­tions of his mind, not looking for the movement but the internal equilibrium of the composition, the most efficient organisation and the most appropriate light. His quest is based on a permanent dialogue between the shape and the space within it.

Born April 28th at Delouze, Meuse, France   
Painter by inclination and passion.

Numerous personal exhibitions of his works have been organized, in France and abroad more particularly:
1957 Galerie Guenegaud, Paris.
1960, 61, 65, 68, 70, 74, 76, 78, 80, and 1982 , David Findlay Galleries, New York.
1960 Galerie Carlier, Paris.
1965 Galerie Coard, Paris.
1965 William Mac Arthur Galleries, Milwaukee,
1968  Fischman Galleries, Philadelphia.
1969  Knott Galleries, San Francisco.
1977, 79, 81, 1983  Galerie Moyon-Avenard, Nantes.
1980  Retrospective Palais de l'Europe, Le Touquet.
1980  Retrospective at the French Embassy, Luxembourg.
1981  Galerie Kintz, Brussells.
1984  Retrospective at the Maison de la Culture of Saint Nazaire.
1984, 86 Galerie du Banneret, Berne.
1985, 87 et 1989 Phillips Galleries , Palm Beach.
1985, 87, 89, 1991 Phillips Flynt Galleries, Houston.
1988  Art Expo, New York.
1988  Espace Lanvin, New York.
1988  Godard's early paintings at David Findlay Galleries, New York.
1990  Manifeste Godard, Palais des Congrés, Saint Jean de Monts.
1994 et 1997 Galerie Art Comparaison, Nantes.
1996  Galerie Sievi, Berlin.
1997  Beethovenhalle, during Beethoven's Festival in Bonn.
2002-2004 David Findlay Galleries, New York.
2003 August-September Retrospective at Musée de l'Orangerie du Sénat, Paris.

Group Exhibitions:

1956 Young Painters, London.
1956 Young Painters, Helsinki.
1957  Dix Ans de Prix  Feneon,  Paris.
1967   Peintres Français contemporains,  Tokyo.
1971  Peintres de Bretagne,  Musée de Nantes.
1973  Musée de Nantes.
1980  French Painters in Canada.
1990  French Painters in Taiwan.
1991  French Painters in Washington.
2003  Twenty French Painters in Pekin.

His works have been exhibited in very famous art shows: Asnieres, Salon d'Automne, Art Sacré, Peintres Témoins de leur Temps, Grands et Jeunes d'Aujourd'hui. Comparaison, Jeune Peinture, Biennale de Paris, Salon du Dessin et de la Peinture à l'Eau, Salon d'Angers, Biennale de Nantes, Orangerie de Versailles, Réalites Nouvelles.

In the course of his career, Godard obtains many art prices and distinctions:

1956  Prix de l'Amateur d'Art.
1957  Prix de Fontainebleau.
1957  Prix de la Jeune Peinture.
1957  Prix  Fénéon.
1958  Prix des  Jeunes Espoirs (triennale de la Jansonne).
1960  Prix d'Asnieres.
1977  Rise to the dignity of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres.
1991  Eurodeal Prise, Washington.

Several paintings have been acquired by la Ville de Paris and French State for various museums in France and abroad, and for the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.

Numerous texts have been written for his works in particular: :Ces Peintres nos Amis, Cannes-1960, .Dictionnaire des Contemporains-1964. 0fficiel des Arts-1978. International des Arts-1983, Prestige de la Peinture et de la Sculpture d'Aujourd'hui dans le Monde-1989, Catalogue de l'Exposition au Musée de l'Orangerie du Sénat à Paris-2003

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