FD - Artist Focus (Lesson)

Artist Focus: Alberto Giacometti

Drawing from the human figure is a part of classical drawing education. We are all familiar with the human figure, and so it is always interesting to recreate a figure within our own drawings. Looking at other figurative artists allows us to find ways to enhance our own drawing. 

Photo of Alberto Giacometti painting in studio.

Sculptor, Painter, Draftsman, and Printmaker

Alberto Giacometti (10 October 1901 – 11 January 1966) was a Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman and printmaker. Beginning in 1922, he lived and worked mainly in Paris but regularly visited his hometown Borgonovo to see his family and work on his art.

Giacometti, Alberto. Diego Seated in Studio, 1959.

Sculptor and Surrealist

Giacometti was one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. His work was particularly influenced by artistic styles such as Cubism and Surrealism. Philosophical questions about the human condition, as well as existential and phenomenological debates played a significant role in his work.

Giacometti, Alberto. Portrait of Peter, 1953.

Growing Through Self-Doubt

Around 1935 he gave up on his Surrealist influences in order to pursue a more deepened analysis of figurative compositions. Giacometti wrote texts for periodicals and exhibition catalogues and recorded his thoughts and memories in notebooks and diaries. His critical nature led to self-doubt about his own work and his self-perceived inability to do justice to his own artistic vision. His insecurities nevertheless remained a powerful motivating artistic force throughout his entire life.

Giacometti, Alberto. City Square (foreground). 1948-49. Bronze sculptures.  Kneeling woman (background). 1956.  Bronze sculptures. 

A New Way of Thinking About Humanity

For more about Giacometti, watch this brief video from the Tate Museum in London.

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