5 Continents Editions Slavko Kopac: Hidden Treasure. Informal Art, Surrealism, Art Brut

Kopač's work bridges and intersects with three significant art movements: Surrealism, Informal Art (Art Informel), and Art Brut. This makes him a figure of considerable importance in understanding the postwar art landscape Kopač's pivotal role as the first curator of Jean Dubuffet's Collection de l'Art Brut adds another layer of significance to his legacy The book features contributions from leading scholars and includes a wealth of previously unpublished works and archival documents, offering fresh insights into Kopač's life and art Published to accompany an exhibition at Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, Florence, September-November 2025. The exhibition and book explore the rich artistic dialogues and exchanges that shaped Kopač's development, highlighting the interconnectedness of the art world in the mid-20th century Text in English, French and Italian Slavko Kopač. Hidden Treasure. Informal Art, Surrealism, Art Brut accompanies the exhibition Slavko Kopač. Hidden Treasure (Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, Florence, September-November 2025). With an introduction by Bernard Blistène, honorary director of the Centre Pompidou and advocate of the acquisition of twelve of Kopač's works into the museum's collection, the book explores a multifaceted artist, deeply connected to Surrealism, Informal Art, and Art Brut. A key collaborator of Jean Dubuffet and the first curator of the "Collection de l'Art Brut", he played a fundamental part in its promotion and configuration. His magical, totemic universe captivated the Surrealists and led to a collaboration with André Breton. At the same time, critic Michel Tapié included him in Un Art Autre (1952), recognising his originality within the Informal Art movement. He used painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and art books to explore materiality, intertwining reality and fantasy. The volume features contributions by leading international scholars and an extensive iconographic repertoire, including previously unpublished works and archive documents. Text in English, French and Italian.