Jacques Fromonot

French-born Jacques Fromonot (1926-2014) dedicated himself to painting in his early twenties, leaving his engineering job in Lyon to escape 'systemization and routine - the greatest enemy for a creative spirit'. Entirely self-taught, he created a unique body of work over seventy years, inspired by his extraordinary life.

His journey took him from France to the jungles and cities of Latin America, the homeland of his Indian wife Nina, and finally to the Cote d’Azur where he settled in 1968. Fromonot's dynamic style, using both palette knife and brush, earned him the title ‘O Caçador de Luz’ (the hunter of light) in Brazil. His art reflects a dialogue between his cerebral and intuitive sides, exploring everyday life, ancient civilizations, and his era.

Fromonot's quest for profound life experiences led to adventures that deeply influenced his work. He captured the essence of light and life in Brazil, the vibrant colors of India, and his direct experiences of events. His paintings were exhibited and sold widely across Latin America, Europe, and India. Notably, he won the Grand Prix de Paris at the Salon d'Art Moderne in 1961 and 2nd prize at the Grand Prix de la Peinture in the Côte d'Azur in 1966.

In the late sixties, he created a series on Indian folklore and traditions, including portraits of Prime Minister Nehru and other leaders. Known for his independence, Fromonot engaged with both common workers and famous peers. In his later years, he withdrew from public exhibitions, living between Mallorca and Cannes, but continued to create until his death, leaving behind a significant legacy of artworks. His widow Nina has catalogued these works, which need to be seen to fully appreciate their richness.