Arthur SEGAL (1875-1944).
Born from Jewish Romanian parents, Segal is a major expressionist painter who opened a number of painting schools throughout Europe during the interwar period.
After attending the Berlin Academy in 1892, Segal goes to Munich to study under Schmidt-Reute and Hoelzel. He also studies in Paris and Italy before settling in Berlin in 1904, where he exhibits with ‘Die Brucke’ and ‘Der Blaue Reiter’. During the war, Segal is in Switzerland where he rubs shoulders with the Dadaists in Zurich, and contributes two woodcuts to the Dada journal in 1918. At this stage, Segal goes beyond his Neo-Impressionism to apply Goethe’s theory of colors to his technique. He defines his works as guided by an “optical equi-balance” and a personal sense of harmony.
He opens his first painting school in Berlin in 1923, and attempts to open a branch in Barcelona, but the outbreak of the 1936 civil war will arrest his effort. He then moves to the UK, where he works with the Ministry of War, teaching soldiers art as therapy. Segal’s healing approach to art is applauded by Freud.