Biography

German/French painter. Born in Brühl, in the suburbs of Cologne. Studied philosophy, psychology and art history at the University of Bonn. Inspired by the works of such artists as Picasso and Matisse, he aspired to become a painter. He was also involved in the German Expressionist movement. In 1919, he founded the Cologne Dada group, along with artists such as Jean Arp. In 1922, he moved to Paris and socialized with such artists as Andre Breton, and became a core member of the Surrealist movement. From 1925, aside from using the techniques of collage and decalcomania, he also began to use frottage in depicting fantastic images. During WWII, he sought refuge in the US. In 1958, he became a French citizen. His retrospective exhibitions have been held in various countries, including the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris and Museum of Modern Art in New York.