René Gruau

Like white dwarfs or other paradoxical stars that modern astronomy tells us about, Gruau became engrossed in a solitary glow only to establish himself more clearly in a particular stroke or colour combination, in a certain pliability of lines and luminous contrast, in a “griffe” (or label – in the field of fashion, this name for style seems to have been coined especially for him), in a touch recognised worldwide (albeit generally without recognising its author). Guaranteeing complete success for a graphic designer who thus draws the eyes of his spectators unbeknownst to them – that is, discreetly yet even more definitively. We might even be led to think that, ever since they have accompanied us, Gruau’s drawings have been linked to some episode or other of our lives. This volume devoted to him brings together a solid body of works, outlining a complete and multi-faceted profile.