hans beLLmer

Hans Bellmer was born in Kattowitz, then part of the German empire, on the 13rd of March 1902. The artist is best known for creating life-sized sculptures of erotic dolls. Historians also consider him a surrealist photographer.

His dolls are a statement on the cult of the female body, a popular theme in Nazi Germany. However, his response was to cut up, mutilate and present the dolls in unconventional poses. The Nazis declared his work as «degenerate» and he was forced to leave the country. He relocates to Paris where his work is accepted especially by the surrealists who appreciate the themes of sexuality and feminine beauty.

Bellmer spends the rest of his life in Paris and replaces doll making with etchings and erotic drawings. He also explores printmaking, photography and painting while retaining the theme of explicit sexuality, especially in young women.