Marcelle CAHN

Biography

Marcelle Cahn, born on March 1, 1895, in Strasbourg and passed away on August 22, 1981, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, was a French artist whose work made a significant impact on modern art, particularly in the abstract and constructivist movements.

Coming from a wealthy family, Marcelle Cahn began showing an interest in art from an early age. She initially studied in Strasbourg before moving to Berlin in 1912, where she became acquainted with German expressionism. Later, she moved to Paris, where she was influenced by the Cubist works of Picasso and Braque.

Her artistic career truly took off in the 1920s, a period during which she began experimenting with abstraction. She associated with renowned artists and intellectuals, notably at the Académie Moderne, led by Fernand Léger and Amédée Ozenfant.

Marcelle Cahn actively involved herself in avant-garde art circles, befriending artists like Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp. She participated in numerous exhibitions, including those of the Cercle et Carré group and Abstraction-Création, significantly contributing to the recognition of abstract art in France.

During the 1930s and 1940s, her work evolved towards a more constructivist style, characterized by the use of simple geometric shapes and bright colors. Cahn also began exploring other mediums, such as collage and sculpture.

Her career was temporarily interrupted by World War II. As a Jew, Marcelle Cahn was forced to hide during the Nazi occupation in France. After the war, she resumed her artistic work with renewed energy, producing works that reflected her experience during this dark period.

In the 1950s and 1960s, she continued to exhibit her works, both in France and internationally, and received several awards and honors. Her abstract compositions, often small in size, are appreciated for their subtlety and sensitivity.

Despite her significant contribution to modern art, Marcelle Cahn's work remains relatively unknown to the general public. Nevertheless, her works are displayed in many museums and private collections around the world.

Marcelle Cahn died in 1981, leaving behind a rich and diverse artistic legacy that continues to inspire artists and contemporary art enthusiasts.