The artwork “Soul of the Underground” created by the esteemed artist Jean Dubuffet dates back to 1959, a period that saw dynamic experimentation within the art world. Dubuffet, renowned for his innovative approach, utilized a combination of oil, board, and aluminum to produce this work which belongs to the “Texturologies” series. It is executed in the Tachisme style, a European counterpart to Abstract Expressionism, characterized by spontaneous brushwork, drips, and scribble-like marks. As an abstract genre piece, it does not depict figures or landscapes but instead focuses on texture and form, inviting introspection and emotional response from the viewer.
Upon reviewing the artwork, one is immediately struck by its complex texture and earthy tones that suggest an organic quality. There appears to be a variety of forms and elements interplaying across the surface, creating a sense of depth and movement despite the absence of recognizable shapes. The palette is muted, consisting of browns, greys, and touches of pink, suggesting the natural world or geological formations. The use of mixed media contributes to the rich texture, which can be perceived as both tactile and visual — creating an image that evokes the essence of materials found beneath the earth’s surface. Nodding to the title, this artwork conveys the metaphorical “soul” of the subterranean through its abstract language, emphasizing texture and materiality over representational form.