Negrabar 1969

Maurice Esteve made this abstract composition, Negrabar, using gouache and charcoal on paper. The materiality of gouache lends itself to flat, opaque color fields, allowing Esteve to build a composition through layered shapes and forms. Notice how the charcoal adds a textural contrast, creating depth and dimension within the abstract space. The work embodies a delicate balance between deliberate composition and the inherent qualities of the materials, with gouache enabling distinct planes of color, while charcoal introduces nuanced tonal variations. Esteve’s practice reflects a dialogue between intention and accident, mirroring the artist's interaction with the materials and processes. By acknowledging the significance of materials, making, and context, we gain insight into the artistry behind "Negrabar," inviting us to consider the meaning in its abstract language.