Guy-Max HIRI (1928-1999)

Expositions et reconnaissance
Hiri a participé à diverses expositions, tant personnelles que collectives. En 1973, il expose au Château de Courtanvaux à Bessé-sur-Braye. En 1986, il présente Fleur d'été, une acrylique, au Salon des Indépendants à Paris. En 1992, ses œuvres sont incluses dans l'exposition De Bonnard à Baselitz - Dix ans d'enrichissements du cabinet des estampes à la Bibliothèque nationale de France. ​
Après sa mort, une vente de son atelier a eu lieu à l'Hôtel Drouot à Paris le 11 octobre 2010, témoignant de l'intérêt continu pour son travail. ​

Héritage
Le portrait de Guy-Max Hiri réalisé par Hélène Augé en 1993 offre une représentation visuelle de l'artiste, capturant son essence et son engagement artistique. ​

Guy-Max Hiri demeure une figure significative de l'expressionnisme français du XXe siècle, reconnu pour sa contribution à l'art moderne et son dévouement à la promotion de la culture artistique à Paris.

Biography

Guy-Max Hiri (1928–1999) was a French painter whose work is deeply rooted in the post-war figurative movement. Born in Paris, Hiri developed an early interest in art and began his formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts. Over the years, his work evolved from a more traditional approach to painting into powerful, emotionally intense pieces that often focused on human figures, portraits, and expressions of inner turmoil. His art is known for its striking use of bold colors and strong lines, which convey both strength and vulnerability, reflecting the struggles of the human condition.

Hiri’s style evolved throughout his career, combining elements of expressionism with a sensitivity to the human form and emotion. He was influenced by the aftermath of World War II and the socio-political climate of his time, using his paintings to explore themes of suffering, survival, and the complexities of modern life. His works, often created in a bold and visceral manner, challenged conventional norms, making him a distinctive voice in the post-war art scene.

In 1996, Hiri became involved in an act of protest when he staged a hunger strike in response to the destruction of his studio in Montreuil, a sign of his deep dedication to his work and his commitment to the preservation of artistic spaces. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life, Hiri’s work continued to resonate with many, and he gained recognition for his honest and uncompromising approach to art.

Throughout his life, Hiri exhibited his works in various galleries and museums, and his pieces remain part of important private and public collections. His legacy continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and the raw power of its expression, capturing a unique moment in the evolution of post-war European art.