American Photographers and Photography of the United States - Lot 17

Jean-Marie CHOURGNOZ (1929-2019) was a key figure in Lyon's art scene from the 1950s to the early 2000s.

Initially a figurative painter and draughtsman, he was influenced by Expressionism and Surrealism, before discovering Informel art and distinguishing himself through dreamlike abstraction, imbued with nuagism, and excelling in colorful, geometric collages.

With his partner Danielle Pampuzac (1937-2015), director of exhibition programming at the Théâtre de la Cité, before becoming a writer, they formed a passionate couple, friends of the artists of their time (Max Schoendorff) and eager to spread art in all its forms to a local public then little considered.

Photography was J.M. Chourgnoz's second great passion, and in 1967, with his friend André Marc Pampuzac (1926-1976), he published the highly ambitious book"Ça, c'est New-York!" (That'sNew York!). The book was launched with an extraordinary and unprecedented publicity campaign, as J.M. Chourgnoz had become an advertising genius and his agency was one of the most sought-after in France, with clients ranging from the national (Renault, Simca, Elf...) to the regional (Berliet, Manufrance, Salomon...) based in Paris and Lyon.

As an advertising artist, Chourgnoz was able to combine his many talents and skills, blending drawing, graphic design and photography... The famous ELF logo is a brilliant visual demonstration and perfect illustration of what Chourgnoz called "the coat of arms of our modern civilization".

This exceptional sale brings together all the facets of this fascinating figure, a veritable Leonard of the "trente glorieuses", and in addition to his many and varied creations, features his library, including a remarkable collection of books illustrated by photography, and his advertising archives, rich in several thousand photographs, a delicious and fascinating documentation of French industries and know-how.

Expert : Damien Voutay

Special conditions :

Artenchères is at your disposal for a more detailed condition report, on request.

Photographic reproductions may not give an entirely faithful image of the actual condition of a lot, notably because the colors or shadows shown in the reproduction may differ from what would be perceived by a direct observer. Lot dimensions are given as an indication, with a reasonable margin of error (less than 10%). Not all defects are visible on the photos, and color appreciation may differ depending on the screen.

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