André Quellier

(French, 1925-2010)

La Gageure des Trois Commères

La Gageure des Trois Commères

André Quellier began painting at the age of 11.

He joined the National School of Fine Arts in 1941 and took classes in classical painting by Jean Dupas and Edmond Heuzé. During the Occupation and following years, he followed the work of choreographer Katherine Dunham, with whom he collaborated for the sets but also to take sketches of the dancers. Dunham recognized him to have captured the spirit of her ballets. He notably illustrated the French version of his book on The Dances of Haiti and worked as an illustrator for other publishing houses.

In 1945 he received a prize from the Institute of the French Academy, and in 1955 won a prize from the Casa Velasquez allowing him to become a resident of Casa Velasquez for his 25th class of 1955.

Not very sensitive to modern art, he became interested in the performing arts, and in 1961 produced a series of 104 paintings dedicated to the mime Marceau. He made portraits of several personalities from the arts: Brigitte Bardot, Gerard Philipe, Jean Cocteau (acquired in 1990 by the Los Angeles Museum) and Marcel Jouhandeau note, but also mother Teresa, John Paul II, the Dalai Lama and Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

From his studio in Montmartre, he prepared exhibitions throughout France (Paris, Saint-Tropez) and the world (Japan, New York, London, Moscow, Leningrad or Tehran). He made temporary exhibitions at the Chapel of the Penitents of Ramatuelle from 1974 to 1981. He also held a workshop in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe.