Simon Hantaï: Bridging Surrealism and Action Painting – A Pioneer of Folded Canvas Simon Hantaï (December 7, 1922, Biatorbágy, Hungary – September 12, 2008; Paris) stands as a singular figure in the landscape of abstract art, recognized primarily for his groundbreaking “pliage” technique and canvases imbued with profound emotional resonance. Born in Hungary during the turbulent years following World War I, Hantaï’s artistic journey began at the Budapest School of Fine Art before embarking on a transformative pilgrimage through Italy on foot – an experience that profoundly shaped his worldvie…