Analysis of Jean Dubuffet's Paintings Based on the Elements of Sartre's Existentialism

Introduction: Existentialism is one of the most significant trends in Western philosophy, with Jean-Paul Sartre playing a pivotal role in its development, focusing on human identity, freedom, loneliness, and anxiety. The post-World War II period, marked by widespread despair, was a time when art and philosophy significantly influenced each other. Studying artworks created during this era showcases the reflection of philosophy in art. The thoughts, ideas, and works of Sartre and Jean Dubuffet are the result of years intertwined with war, and the influence of Sartre's philosophy on Dubuffet's art is worthy of examination and study. The main question is, «How can Jean Dubuffet's paintings be studied based on Sartre's existential philosophy?»Research Method: This qualitative study used a descriptive-analytical and comparative method, with data collection based on library resources.Findings: The study of key elements of existentialism, such as the precedence of existence over essence, individual responsibility, the absurdity of the world, and loneliness, in Dubuffet's paintings reveals that these concepts are widely reflected in his works. Dubuffet is one of the important painters after World War II who preferred self-learning over the academic rules of art.Conclusion: By employing his unique techniques, Dubuffet has clearly reflected existentialist concepts in his works, and a close connection exists between Sartre's philosophy and his paintings.