Plate III from the portfolio Papiers Traités 

This is Plate III from the portfolio Papiers Traités by Pierre Alechinsky. In it, he combines printmaking with collage to offer a wry commentary on the art world. Alechinsky was a member of the Cobra group, which sought to break down barriers between different artistic disciplines and to make art that was accessible to everyone. This work reflects that ethos, as Alechinsky subverts the traditional hierarchy of artistic media by incorporating found materials into his prints. The sheet of paper in the center, with its handwritten text and financial calculations, hints at the commercial aspect of art. The surrounding imagery, in contrast, evokes a world of dreams and imagination. This piece invites us to consider the social conditions that shape artistic production. By exploring sources such as the artist's biography, historical accounts of the Cobra movement, and critical analyses of Alechinsky's work, we can gain a deeper understanding of the institutional forces that have shaped his art.