Grégoire Müller, born in Morges, Switzerland, is a highly regarded figurative painter celebrated for his captivating works that delve into the depths of the human form, exploring emotional and psychological dimensions. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Lucian Freud and Balthus, Müller has developed a unique artistic style that seamlessly merges elements of neo-expressionism with the aesthetics of Renaissance painting. His ability to physically engage viewers through his art is deeply rooted in his active participation in the American avant-garde movements of the 1960s, which profoundly influenced his understanding of art's transformative power.
Müller's artistic journey is further enriched by his collaborations with other renowned artists. During the 1960s, he had the privilege of studying at the esteemed Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, where he forged connections with fellow artists Daniel Buren and Olivier Mosset. This creative environment fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and artistic exploration. Müller's artistic prowess was acknowledged during this period when he assumed responsibility for the Art section of Pariscope and later became a correspondent for renowned publications such as Art and Artists in London and Arts magazine in New York. His involvement with the counter-culture movement intensified during the events of May 1968, which further fueled his passion for art that challenges societal norms.
In 1968, Müller collaborated with the legendary curator Harald Szeemann on the groundbreaking exhibition "When Attitudes Become Form." This seminal project pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and marked a pivotal moment in Müller's artistic evolution. The following year, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, leaving Europe behind and venturing to New York, where he initially worked as an assistant to Richard Serra and a freelance critic. Müller's remarkable contributions to the art world continued to flourish when he assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief at Arts magazine. Through this influential position, he showcased original works by some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, including Salvador Dalí, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, Walter De Maria, Sol Lewitt, Robert Smithson, and Vito Acconci.
In 1972, following the publication of his groundbreaking book "The New Avant-Garde," Müller made the conscious decision to dedicate himself exclusively to painting. Inspired by the works of Lucian Freud, Balthus, and other masters of figurative art, he honed his focus on capturing the human form with remarkable precision and depth. Müller's artistic journey reached a significant milestone with his first major solo exhibition at Richard Bellamy's Oil & Steel Gallery in 1984, a showcase that garnered critical acclaim and caught the attention of Michael Brenson from The New York Times.
In 1986, Müller embarked on a new chapter, leaving the bustling artistic hub of New York and settling in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, alongside his wife, the talented singer-songwriter Pascale Duraire. Throughout his career, Müller has not only exhibited his works internationally but has also shared his expertise and passion for art as a teacher at the École d’art des Montagnes neuchâteloises and the Lycée Blaise Cendrars in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Müller's works have found a permanent place in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, the Kunsthaus in Zurich, the Musée des beaux-arts in La Chaux-de-Fonds, as well as notable institutions such as Chase Manhattan Bank, Swiss National Insurance, and the Swiss Confederation. With his profound exploration of light, the interplay of chiaroscuro, and the intricacies of the human experience, Müller's paintings continue to captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark in the realm of contemporary figurative art.