Nez au vivre 

Here we see "Nez au vivre," an abstract painting by Jean Messagier. The dominant material here is oil paint, applied with loose, energetic brushstrokes. The broad strokes and thick layering of paint are significant, revealing the artist’s process. You can see the physicality of the paint itself: its viscosity, its texture, and its capacity to both blend and retain its own distinct character. The materiality of the painting provides a sense of immediacy and raw expression. The vibrant colors, predominantly greens and yellows, evoke a sense of nature's vitality, perhaps suggesting landscapes or organic forms. The expressive brushwork speaks to the artist's hand and the performative aspect of painting. Messagier seems less concerned with precise representation and more interested in capturing the essence of his subject through the very act of applying paint. This approach invites us to consider the artwork not just as a picture but as an artifact documenting the labor and intention of its creator. It challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft, emphasizing the skill and intentionality involved in manipulating materials.