Peinture 130 x 97 cm, 18 septembre 1980 1980

Editor: So, here we have Pierre Soulages' "Peinture 130 x 97 cm, 18 septembre 1980," created in 1980, primarily using oil paint. The almost brutal application of dark paint creates such a physical presence, an emphasis on its objecthood. What do you see as you examine this work? Curator: The physicality is key. We can't ignore the material reality – the canvas, the oil paint, the labor involved in repeatedly applying and manipulating it. Think about Soulages' process. What kind of tools did he use to achieve these textures? How does the act of layering contribute to its meaning, moving beyond a simple monochrome to something sculptural? It challenges our idea of painting as a purely visual experience. Editor: So, the *how* is as important as the *what*. It makes me think of craft, actually. Something I'd not associate with "high art." Curator: Exactly! And that's where the interest lies. Traditional art history often separates "high art" from "craft," with painting typically placed firmly in the former category. However, Soulages' emphasis on materiality, the tactile nature of his work, and the clear evidence of process disrupts that hierarchy. It brings in the question of skill and labor, and how the value of the piece is therefore impacted and assigned, too. Does the consumption of something crafted laboriously create new worth? Editor: I see what you mean! The attention to materiality really elevates the meaning, moving beyond just aesthetics to considering its cultural and even economic context of its creation. So the rougher the medium, the broader a range of considerations arise as well. Curator: Absolutely. By foregrounding the materials and the means of production, Soulages asks us to reconsider how we value art and how it functions within a broader social framework. Editor: I'll definitely look at abstract works with an eye for process in the future! Thanks.