WALTER FIRPO

Firpo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1903 but moved with his parents to France in 1912 where his father made a fortune in the condensed milk business during WWI. Firpo received an excellent education in the arts and was noted for his intellectual and artistic abilities.

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After the war, he took a job as a bank clerk in Nice and began to explore the intellectual movement in the arts.  It was here that he met Albert Gleize, the recognized authority and theoretician of cubism and art moderne.  Impressed by the talent of the young Firpo, Gleize mentored him and held a joint exhibition in Nice in 1928.  It was the first of many exhibitions for Firpo (often with Gleize).  He garnered the attention and admiration of many well-known artists throughout his long and distinguished career. 

Matisse wrote in 1952 at a joint exhibition, “I am certain that your harmonious and expressive works make a pretty room very appreciative.  I see your beautiful values on the walls,

warmed by the sun of Marseille.”

Besides Nice, Firpo had ateliers in Marseille and Creteil.  His works have been acquired by several museums, including Guggenheim.