“Alphabetical Volcano (Volcan Alphabétique)” is a 1970 artwork by the artist Pierre Alechinsky, associated with the Surrealism art movement and classified under the figurative genre. In this piece, Alechinsky employs his characteristic style of blending dream-like elements with whimsical details, creating a surreal visual experience.
The artwork depicts an abstract, volcano-like structure on the left, surrounded by swirling, almost chaotic strokes, reminiscent of an eruption. Alphabets appear sporadically across the composition, integrated into the visual chaos. To the right, a cluster of flowers or plants emerges from a vessel, drawn with expressive, fluid lines. The colors used are bold and contrasting, with dark blues and blacks dominating the left side, while lighter, more vibrant colors accentuate the right. The overall scene is dynamic and filled with movement, consistent with the Surrealist theme of exploring the unconscious and irrational aspects of human experience.
