Jean Dubuffet

1918-1919 Moves to Paris to study at Académie Julian which he leaves six months later to work alone.

1924 Breaking off of all artistic endeavors. Residence in Buenos Aires for six months.

1925-1932 Enters the family wine business and stops painting for eight years. First marriage.

Death of his father. Birth of his daughter Isalmina.

1933-1935 Dubuffet's artistic interest is rekindled. Leases his business. Separates from his wife. Meets Emilie Carlu (Lili) with whom he will stay until the end of his life. Models masks and puppets.

1937 Abandons art once again and returns to save his wine business from bankruptcy.

1942 Crucial year : Dubuffet is 41 year old and decides to devote himself exclusively to art.

1943 Meets Jean Paulhan who introduces him to the Parisian intelligentsia, painters and writers.

1944 First exhibition at the Galerie René Drouin : lively controversy.

1945 Starts collecting Art brut in France and Switzerland.

1946 Publishes " Prospectus aux amateurs de tout genre ".