Le Vol de Flamants (Flight of Flamingoes) is a screen printed tapestry designed by Robert Debiève in the 1950’s. Debiève was a French postwar & contemporary artist and his work is still sold at public auction houses today.
His career took off after World War II as he tried to democratize art through textiles by blending Cubist influences with organic motifs. The theme of his art work revolved around nature, daily life and regional culture. He also designed furniture and glass works. As his art was affordable and widely distributed, his works were seen in homes and design showcases across Europe. He brought art into everyday life. Throughout the ‘50’s and ‘60’s he continued to reinterpret traditional tapestries as a mass-marketed art form and his modern tapestries influenced home décor and design ethos.
Born in Belgium in 1926, Debiève had a varied artistic career as a designer of tapestries, wall hangings, furniture, and glass works as well as working as an art director for advertising agencies and creating art installations in public spaces. He died in 2018 leaving a lasting legacy in the history of contemporary design.
Karen Ridley, August 2025
References:
https://www.askart.com/artist/Robert_Debieve/11189076/Robert_Debieve.aspx
https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Robert-Debieve/CBBB99DE35403E03/Biography