Robert Coutelas II

In 1967, using cardboard and wood that he found on the streets, Robert Coutelas (1930-1985) began his “Cartes” a series of playing-card-sized paintings with rounded corners The cards, like tarot cards were covered in mystical, symbolic designs. Though he courted commercial success by exhibiting and entering competitions he always abandoned it.

In 1973 Robert won a contest run by the playing-card maker Grimaud but he refused to have his works marketed by them, a gallery offered to sell them if he created larger versions and Andre Malraux, former French Minister of Cultural Affairs, showed interest in 1975, Coutelas was told to write to him, he didn’t.