César Baldaccini

César was a sculptor known for his "Compressions"—crushed automobiles and metal objects that became monumental sculptures commenting on industrial culture and destruction. He later created "Expansions" using polyurethane foam and realistic thumb sculptures at enormous scale. As a member of Nouveau Réalisme, his work paralleled American Pop Art's engagement with consumer culture, and his sculptures are held in major collections including the Centre Pompidou.