Theo Tobiasse (1927–2012): A Master of Symbolic Expression
Theo Tobiasse, a celebrated master of the Paris School, was born in Jaffa, Israel, in 1927 to Lithuanian parents. His father, a Zionist and a printer, moved the family to Paris in 1931 in search of work. From the moment Tobiasse first set eyes on the City of Light, it left an indelible impression on him. However, his early years in Paris were overshadowed by the horrors of World War II.
During the Nazi occupation, the Tobiasse family spent two years in hiding in a cramped Parisian apartment. From July 1942 through August 1944, they never ventured outside, nor could they turn on lights or even burn candles. The only sense of time passing came from the ominous sounds of Nazi boots on the staircase outside. It was in this dimly lit room that young Theo found solace in drawing, reading, and playing chess with his father—a motif that later surfaced repeatedly in his artwork as chessboard patterns.
When Paris was liberated on August 25, 1944, Tobiasse emerged from hiding with a portfolio filled with drawings, stepping into a world forever shaped by exile and resilience.
The Rise of an Artistic Visionary
After the war, Tobiasse spent 15 years working as a highly successful advertising artist, first in Paris and later in Nice. Despite his demanding career, he continued to paint tirelessly, often working late into the night. His breakthrough came in 1960, when he entered his first art competition and won the Grand Prize. From 1961 onward, his career soared internationally, with his paintings gaining widespread recognition for their deeply personal, symbolic, and expressive nature.
In 1976, Tobiasse relocated his studio to St. Paul-de-Vence, where he found inspiration in the landscapes of both Jerusalem and Florence. His artistic themes evolved from profane, bestiary-like imagery to deeply personal and nostalgic reflections on his childhood. His works evoke buses from his journey to France, steam-filled train stations, wheeled boats, tea kettles, and the warmth of home—all infused with Biblical references, erotic undertones, and the recurring theme of exile.
A Profound Exploration of Exile and Memory
Exile became the central theme of Tobiasse’s later works, not just as a past experience but as an ongoing, universal condition. His paintings often feature women, children, and vast crowds interwoven with symbolic elements like candelabras, representing the glow of hope. From 1980 onward, he traveled extensively in the United States, drawn in particular to the energy of New York City, where he spent several months each year working closely with his longtime friends and art dealers, Kenneth and Sherri Nahan.
Tobiasse’s influence extends beyond painting. He created monumental public works, including the stained-glass windows and murals for the Jewish Community Center in Strasbourg, which now bears his name, and a fountain, “L’Enfant Fou,” at Nice Airport’s Arenas Business Centre. His artistic versatility led him to design costumes and stage sets for Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, as well as illustrated books, etchings, lithographs, and bronze sculptures. His passion for ceramics further enriched his artistic portfolio.
A Private Message in Every Painting
Despite his widespread acclaim, Tobiasse remained a deeply sentimental and private individual, pouring his innermost thoughts and emotions into his work. He embedded a secret message, written in Yiddish, into each original painting, covering it with paint or collage so that its meaning remains hidden unless the artwork itself is destroyed—an intimate layer of mystery that adds to the profound depth of his creations.
Legacy & Exhibitions
Tobiasse joined the ranks of Picasso, Matisse, and Cocteau in decorating South of France chapels, leaving his artistic mark on Chapelle St-Sauveur in Le Cannet. His work has been exhibited worldwide, in renowned institutions such as:
- Nahan Galleries – New York, Tokyo, New Orleans
- Bibliothèque Nationale – Paris
- Grand Palais – Paris
- Musée de L’Athénée – Geneva
- Hotel de Ville – Nancy
- Galerie Chave – St. Paul
- Simon Wiesenthal Center – Los Angeles
- International Art Fair – Basel
- Salon d’Art Français – Tokyo
- Petit Palais – Geneva
A master of original graphics, Tobiasse personally created his own plates and oversaw the entire printing process, ensuring authenticity in every piece. His impact on the art world endures, as his evocative works continue to speak to themes of exile, memory, and resilience—inviting viewers to explore the profound emotional landscapes he so masterfully depicted.