Plate VI from the portfolio Vulcanologies 1970

Pierre Alechinsky made this colour print, 'Plate VI from the portfolio Vulcanologies', using lithography. It's like he's thinking through the process, playing with shapes, and seeing what emerges. There's a physicality to this piece, the way the ink sits on the surface, creating textures that invite you to look closer. The volcano is white, kind of ghostly, with these colorful figures surrounding it. I'm drawn to the burst of forms at the top, almost like a thought bubble above the volcano. It’s like the energy of the volcano is expressed as this outpouring of shape. You get the sense of the energy building up to something, or a big burp. This piece reminds me of the work of Joan Miró, in the way that he also uses abstract forms to create a sense of playfulness and wonder. It's all about keeping the conversation going, seeing where the paint takes you.