Robert Combas

Robert Combas (born 1957, Lyon, France) is a prominent French contemporary artist recognized as a founding figure of the Figuration Libre movement in the early 1980s. Working primarily in painting, drawing, and sculpture, Combas is celebrated for his vibrant, energetic compositions that blend elements of popular culture, comic art, and graffiti. His works are characterized by bold outlines, vivid colors, and densely packed scenes that often reflect social commentary, humor, and a raw, expressive style.

Combas has exhibited extensively in major institutions, including solo and group shows at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon. His work has also been featured internationally, with exhibitions in the United States, Japan, and throughout Europe, affirming his influence on contemporary art beyond France.

At auction, Robert Combas’s pieces have achieved significant results at leading houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. His large-scale paintings and mixed-media works are particularly sought after, with several achieving six-figure sums in recent years. Combas continues to live and work in France, maintaining a prolific output and a strong presence in both institutional collections and the international art market.