Armand Pierre Fernandez born in Nice. In 1946 receives Baccalaureate in Philosophy and Mathematics from the Academy of France. Meets Yves Klein and Claude Pascal at a judo school in Nice. In admiration of Vincent Van Gogh, who signed only his first name on his paintings, they decide to give up their surnames. Until 1953 the three are strongly involved, spiritually and intellectually, with Zen Buddhism, Rosicrucianism, and Astrology. Collaborates with Klein on happenings. In 1958, the printer of a catalogue omits the "d" from his name, he decides to be known as Arman. 1959: makes his first sculptures: destruction, Poubelles (Garbage Bins) Accumulations. 1960: fills Galerie Iris Clert with garbage, creating Le Plein ("Full Up"). Signs a manifesto with artists of the Nouveau Réalisme and Critic/Art Historian Pierre Restany. Makes first visit to New York and is included in his first museum group exhibition, The Art of Assemblage at the Museum of Modern Art. In 1967 begins an "art-industry" collaboration with Renault, the French automobile manufacturer, which continues through the 1980's. Represents France at Expo '67 in Montreal. Exhibits at the XXXIV Venice Biennale and Documenta in Kassel, Germany, 1968. In 1969, traveling exhibition of Renault Accumulations opens at the Stedelijk Museum and tours throughout Europe. Decorated as Chevalier de l'Ordre du Mérite by the President of the Republic of France. In 1973 becomes a U.S. citizen, in the following year, first museum retrospective in the United States. Selected Works 1958-74, is held at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, California, and tours throughout the United States. In 1998 retrospective at the Jeu de Paume in Paris, France.
