In brief
Jean-Claude Silbermann, who joined the renowned Surrealist circle at a young age, discusses his profound connection to the movement and his artistic journey that spans over seven decades.
In the vibrant atmosphere of Paris during the late 1950s, a young Jean-Claude Silbermann found himself enamored with the enigmatic world of Surrealism. He had his first encounter with André Breton, the iconic figure behind the movement, at Le Musset café, where Breton and his circle gathered. “I didn’t know how to do anything. I hadn’t even written any poems,” recalls the now 90-year-old Silbermann, who boldly professed his identity as a Surrealist when he met Breton. For Silbermann, Surrealism transcends art; it embodies a mindset characterized by rebellion and exploration.Born in 1935 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Silbermann chose an unconventional path as a teenager, departing from his family's prosperous hat-making business to pursue poetry. “I loved poetry since I was a little boy,” he remembers. A pivotal moment occurred when he discovered Guillaume Apollinaire's ‘Alcools,’ which sparked a transformative awakening within him. Fueled by a yearning for creative freedom, he journeyed to cities like Oslo and Copenhagen, where he made a modest living through various odd jobs, including palm reading.Silbermann returned to Paris, starting a family and momentarily succumbing to societal pressures by engaging in his father's trade. The weight of conformity led him into a state of distress, prompting significant weight gain due to anxiety. However, his reunion with Breton reignited his passion for poetry and eventually led him to embrace painting, an endeavor that continues to shape his existence.Today, as he showcases his works at the Independent Art Fair, Silbermann embodies the essence of Surrealism. His life and art are interwoven with the narrative of a movement that has fascinated and inspired many, ensuring that his voice and vision resonate through the generations to come.
