Signes fauves 1961

Isidore Isou's 1961 abstract painting, "Signes fauves," is a composition of 25 squares arranged in a grid. Each square features a unique, bold, and gestural abstract form rendered in black, white, red, yellow, and grey. Isou was a leading figure of the Lettrism movement in France. Lettrism was an avant-garde movement that explored the artistic potential of letters and language. The use of abstract forms in this painting reflects the movement's rejection of traditional art forms and its interest in abstract visual language. The painting's title, which translates to "Wild Signs," hints at the expressive and dynamic nature of these forms.