Chessboard, Large Version (Original Painted Plaster) 1959

Germaine Richier created this Chessboard, Large Version, out of painted plaster, and well, there is no set date. Look at these figures! They're not smooth or polished, but rough, like they've been pulled from the earth. The plaster is built up in layers, creating a sense of texture, especially where the paint has dripped or pooled. It's like Richier let the material do some of the work, embracing the accidental. Take a look at the red figure. See how the paint seems to cling to the surface, accentuating the figure's exposed ribcage? It's a visceral, almost primal effect. Richier reminds me of Giacometti, who also played with elongated forms and a sense of fragility. Both artists invite us to reconsider the human form and its relationship to the world. Ultimately, these figures remain enigmatic, inviting us to bring our own interpretations to the game.