Pierre Soulages is among the most successful French painter of his generation. Over a career spanning decades (he was born in 1919), his style evolved to what he now is most famous for: monochromatic black canvanses.
But the particularity of Soulages’ black is that it is so deep and dense, mixing oil painting and resin, that light reflects on the surface creating the impression of spots of bright white.
In fact, Soulages underlines that there is no translation in English for his Outrenoir, which characterizes the density of his “beyond Black” color but also the polysemy of the French “outre” which can characterize places beyond borders, elements in addition, or anything above and beyond the status quo or what is commonly expected.
It is an invitation to expand our mental sets although Soulages does not name his paintings as to not provide any reference point from which any meaning can be inferred by the viewer.
His work can be compared to the Robert Rauschenberg’s white monochromes where the engagement of the viewer with the shades and light reflecting on the canvas is what activates meaning.
Therefore, here is a black and white Soulages’ Peinture 102 x 165 cm, 17 juillet 2017 inspired outfit for your outings!
The Splurge
Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket ($4,700)
CO Skirt ($695)
Lady Dior Micro Bag ($3,800)
Prada Boots ($1,070)
Prada Headband ($495)
(More) affordable options
Zara Blazer ($129)
Anne Klein Skirt ($99)
Jacquemus Mini Chiquito Bag ($480)
Stuart Weitzman Boots ($325)
Headband ($7)
mabou 