The artwork, “Peinture 220 x 366 cm, 14 mai 1968,” created by artist Pierre Soulages in 1968, is a representative piece of the Tachisme art movement. This abstract genre painting, measuring 220 by 366 centimeters, is currently housed at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.
The artwork predominantly features large strokes and blocks of deep black color, which is characteristic of Soulages’ style, often described as ‘black light’ or ‘noir-lumière.’ The black forms are contrasted against slivers and accents of contrasting lighter hues, creating stark juxtapositions and a powerful visual tension. The piece exemplifies the exploration of texture and the materiality of paint, with thick, robust brushstrokes that emphasize both physicality and depth. The expansive canvas gives the painting a monumental presence, inviting contemplation and engagement from viewers.
