Francois Arnal

François Arnal (1924–2012) was a French artist and designer whose work spanned painting, sculpture, writing, and furniture design. Born in La Valette-du-Var, France, he studied law and literature before dedicating himself fully to art after World War II, during which he served in the French Resistance. In the late 1940s he moved to Paris and became associated with the lyrical abstraction movement, creating dynamic compositions influenced by art informel. By the 1960s, Arnal began experimenting with sculpture and conceptual installations, exploring the relationship between objects, space, and artistic expression.
 
In 1968, he founded Atelier A, a Paris-based design collective that brought together artists and manufacturers to create limited-edition furniture and design objects. Atelier A produced some of Arnal’s most iconic designs, including the sculptural “Z Chair” and the chromed-wire “Serie Fil” furniture, which merged industrial materials with avant-garde aesthetics. His work reflected a seamless integration of fine art and functional design, redefining the role of the artist in the modern industrial age.
 
Throughout his career, Arnal continued to paint and write, constantly evolving his creative language. His furniture and objects remain collectible examples of postwar French design, celebrated for their innovation, craftsmanship, and distinctive sculptural form.