Pierre Soulages

 
Pierre Soulages (1919-2022) has gained international recognition as a prominent figure of both art informel, which arose in France during World War II, and abstract expressionism, its American counterpart. From the 1940s to the 1970s, black progressively conquered the surface of Soulages's calligraphic abstract paintings, which also incorporated subtle hints of color (mainly ocher and blue). His aesthetics radically shifted toward monochrome in 1979, when he initiated his lifelong series Outrenoir. He has been known as "the painter of black and light" ever since. Literally translating as "beyond black," Outrenoir opens onto a new realm that transcends purely gestural and monochromatic abstraction. Systematically applied in thick layers on canvas, black paint is meticulously scraped, striated, and overall sculpted to create smooth or rough areas that reflect light in various ways. By masterfully turning black into a luminous color, Pierre Soulages' painting powerfully evokes the genesis of the world, which came out of darkness.

(external link : www.pierre-soulages.com)
 
Pierre Soulages - Outrenoir
2021
bilingual edition (English / French)
Perrotin
sold out
A series of “Outrenoirs” produced by Pierre Soulages between 1986 and 2018.
Pierre Soulages - Moments d\'origine (DVD)
2019
film in French version with English subtitles
a.p.r.e.s editions - Documents & Video Works (DVD)
A conversation between painter Pierre Soulages and prehistorian Michel Lorblanchet about parietal art and the origins of art.
Pierre Soulages - Soulages in Japan
2017
bilingual edition (English / Japanese)
Perrotin
A well documented bilingual (English / Japanese) publication presenting ten recent paintings by the artist, and highlighting the special relationship between Pierre Soulages and Japan, where his work was exhibited very early in his career and quickly enjoyed significant recognition. A unique catalogue, published on the occasion of the opening of Perrotin Tokyo.
Pierre Soulages - Grandes Conférences (DVD)
2009
French edition
a.p.r.e.s editions - Conferences (DVD)
sold out
A conversation betwen the painter and the art critic and curator.


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