Graphisme 

Jean Degottex created this piece, titled "Graphisme," in the style of abstract expressionism, a movement deeply shaped by post-war introspection and a search for new modes of expression. Degottex, who lived through the Nazi occupation of France, turned to Eastern calligraphy and Zen philosophy, seeking a path beyond the confines of Western thought. The bold, sweeping brushstrokes are reminiscent of Japanese Zen calligraphy, where each stroke is not just a mark but an expression of the artist’s state of mind, his very being in that moment. His art can be seen as an attempt to reconcile the self with the immensity of the world, a theme that echoes through much of the existentialist thought of the time. The canvas becomes a space for contemplation, inviting us to reflect on our own place in the world. With its stark simplicity and profound depth, Degottex's "Graphisme" challenges us to find meaning in the void, and to recognize the beauty in the ephemeral nature of existence.