Untitled 1957

This Untitled piece was made by Marcel Barbeau, sometime in the mid-20th century, using bold, sweeping brushstrokes of black paint. I love how the stark contrast creates a dynamic sense of movement. The texture here is fascinating. Notice how the thick, opaque black paint sits on the surface. You can almost feel the weight of the brush as it dragged across the page. The drips and splatters add an element of chance, revealing the process of its making. Take a look at the top left corner – that single, broad stroke. It's so confident, so direct. It reminds me of Franz Kline, another artist who wasn’t afraid to make big, bold marks. Ultimately, this piece is about the pure joy of painting, that ongoing conversation between artist and medium, embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the simplest of forms.