The Parisian Foundation
Paris, 1896. The 18th arrondissement provides the backdrop for the birth of Pierre Alexandre François Farrey. He enters the world of formal training at the École des Beaux Arts de Paris, working within the studio of Collin. This period of rigorous instruction defines his technical grounding. By 1923, his presence in the art world is felt through works like Nature morte and Female Nude, both of which find their way into the Statens Museum For Kunst in Copenhagen.
The trajectory of his career shifts toward the Mediterranean. In 1931, he achieves the Prix Abd-el-Tif, a distinction that pulls his focus toward North Africa. This transition marks a significant chapter in his development, as he becomes part of the artistic movement active in Algeria during the 1930s. He moves between the light of Algiers and the studios of Paris, establishing a presence in the Salon des Tuileries and various exhibitions across Tunis and Algiers.
A Life of Practice and Pedagogy
Farrey’s professional life is characterized by a dual commitment to creation and the transmission of skill. His career spans decades of active painting and a significant period of instruction. His influence extends beyond the canvas through his dedicated teaching years.
The later years of his life are spent in the classroom. Until 1979, he directs the Atelier Farrey in Paris, focusing on the instruction of drawing and painting. This period of teaching marks the final major phase of his professional output before his death in Draguignan in 1987.
