Spotlight

Pierre Alechinsky

The action of painting freely

Words by
Capsule
Published on
November 12, 2019
Pierre Alechinsky, L'Oreille interne,  The inner ear, painting artist
LOT 32 L'Oreille interne (1978)
Capsule

Executed in 1978, L’Oreille Interne (Lot 32) is a masterful example of Pierre Alechinsky's spontaneous and calligraphic style. The complex organic forms in this painting are derived from the language of CoBrA, diametrically opposed to the rigidity of De Stijl and rooted in the rawness of Art Brut.

Belgian artist, Pierre Alechinsky in the 1970s
Belgian artist, Pierre Alechinsky in the 1970s
Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

Practicing “total opposition to the calculations of cold abstraction, […] and to all forms of division between free thought and the action of painting freely,” Alechinsky captures emotion and subjective experience through bold choices of color and abstraction. The dominant yellow is given shape by fluid black brushstrokes and stern green undertones, creating an array of sensual forms, as well as a sense of depth through negative space.

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