Pierre Soulages, a lighthouse of abstract expressionism movement, is one of the leading contemporary artists worldwide. Born on December 24, 1919 in Rodez, France, Soulages became popular for his innovative use of abstraction, characterized by his extensive investigation of texture, form, and the interplay of light and dark. Through his long and fruitful career, Soulages’s oeuvre is still alive and well, receiving high recognition and acclaim both in France and internationally.
Who was Pierre Soulages?
Pierre Soulages, who was born on December 24, 1919, in Rodez, France, was one of the foremost artists of the 20th century. Artistic exploration began with him in his childhood being propelled by indescribable curiosity and an unquenchable fire for art. Soulages’ signature style and unabated experiments with abstraction earned him international recognition, putting him among the leading artists of post-war European arts.
His Career
Soulages’ career stretched more than eight decades, a journey that was full of struggles and endless quest for innovation and artistic perfection. He became famous because of his “Outrenoir” (Beyond black) paintings with the meticulous black paint layering that allowed him to convey depth and texture of the objects. During Soulage’s career, he constantly devoted himself to probing the expressive might of black, which went beyond its standard connotations to present it with new meanings and vitality.
What is Happening in Peinture 195 x 130 cm, 4 mai 1962?
| Artist | Pierre Soulages |
| Date Created | May 4, 1962 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Genre | Abstract Expressionism |
| Period | 20th Century |
| Dimensions | 195 x 130 cm |
| Series/Versions | N/A |
| Where is it housed? | Private Collection |
One of Soulages’s best-known works is the “Peinture 195 x 130 cm, 4 mai 1962”, which underscores the artist’s virtuosity in form and structure. Impressively, the painting dates back to May 4, 1962, and it stands as a proof of Soulages’s exceptional skill of utilizing color and light to evoke strong emotion.
Analysis of the Artwork
In “Peinture 130 x 195 cm, 4 mai 1962,” Soulages shows his undisputed mastery of the surface quality and volume by means of a bold, powerful and textural marks. The contrast between the light and dark colors create a dynamic, intriguing effect. With this kind of blackness, the canvas is covered, yet some violent slashes pierce the whole superficial layer. It sets a spell of its own for the audience to be held in a world of extremist tarnishes and mysterious depths.
The most memorable part of the painting is its movement. Soulages’s powerful brushstrokes transmit the canvas with a tangible force, as if the painting is being created in our presence. This impression of vitality is consequentially intensified by the artist’s application of texture through which the artist applies thick, impasto layers of paint that appear as if they are about to pop out from the canvas.
While the painting itself is abstract in its nature, it is still full of depth and emotion. The sharp contrast of light and darkness results in an atmosphere full of tension and drama, while the regular form of composition gives an opportunity to ponder and meditate. It is a work that calls for a personal experience with its rugged strength and emotion impacting everyone who has the luck to witness it.
Interesting Facts
Soulages is often referred to as the “painter of black,” owing to his lifelong fascination with the color and its expressive potential.
In addition to his work as a painter, Soulages is also a celebrated printmaker and sculptor, with his diverse body of work encompassing a wide range of mediums and techniques.
Despite his advanced age, Soulages remained an active and prolific artist well into his later years, continuing to produce new work and exhibit his creations around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pierre Soulages famous?
Soulages is referred to as “the painter of black” because he is fascinated with black, “both as a color and a non-color,” Black absorbs light and transforms and transmutes it.
Where did Pierre Soulages live?
Soulages was commissioned to create 104 windows for the Romanesque abbey church of Sainte-Foy in Conques, which is located just north of Rodez. Soulages worked and resided at a home designed by him and his wife in Sète for more than 60 years.
Conclusion
The “Peinture 195 x 130 cm, 4 mai 1962” is the living proof of Pierre Soulages’s continuous relevance as a prominent figure of abstract expressionism. Besides that, what makes this masterpiece truly stand out is its striking visual imagery and the deep soul which stays with it even after hundred years.
