Born in Lyon, France, Robert Combas emerged as a prominent artist in the early 1980s. He is widely credited as one of the founders of the Figuration Libre movement, a French artistic trend that rejected the austerity of conceptual and minimalist art in favor of expressive, figurative painting.

His practice is defined by a vibrant, often chaotic aesthetic that incorporates bold colors, thick outlines, and recurring motifs inspired by street art, graffiti, and mass media. Combas frequently utilizes a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and music-integrated installations, to create works that feel both spontaneous and deeply rooted in contemporary visual culture.

Combas continues to maintain a significant presence in the international art market, with his works appearing regularly in major European auction houses and exhibitions. His contributions to the development of contemporary French art remain a subject of sustained interest for collectors and institutions alike.