Robert Combas (°1957, Lyon, France) is one of the leading figures of contemporary French art and the founder of the influential Figuration Libre movement. Renowned for his exuberant compositions, vivid colours and energetic visual language, Combas developed a highly distinctive style that blends painting, drawing, music, comics and popular culture into works of remarkable vitality and imagination.
After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier, Combas emerged in the late 1970s as one of the pioneers of Figuration Libre, a movement that rejected conceptual minimalism in favour of expressive, spontaneous and accessible imagery. Drawing inspiration from rock music, street culture, mythology, history and everyday life, he created densely populated compositions filled with humour, symbolism and social commentary.
Throughout his career, Combas has exhibited internationally, including major retrospectives at the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon, the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and numerous leading museums and galleries across Europe, Asia and the United States. His works are held in prominent public and private collections worldwide, confirming his position as one of France's most important contemporary artists.
Today, Robert Combas continues to be celebrated for his unmistakable artistic language and his enduring influence on contemporary figurative painting. His vibrant works remain highly sought after by collectors and continue to achieve strong results on the international art market.