Bande rose 

Jean Degottex made "Bande rose" using ink and wash on paper, continuing the artist's project of exploring the limits of gestural abstraction. In post-war France, the dominance of the School of Paris was increasingly challenged by new forms of abstraction. Degottex, like many of his contemporaries, sought to break away from traditional modes of representation, embracing a more spontaneous and intuitive approach to art making. The influence of Zen Buddhism and Far Eastern calligraphy is evident, especially in his emphasis on the expressive potential of the single brushstroke. Degottex's work operated within an art world deeply shaped by institutions like the Salon de Mai and the Denise René Gallery, which promoted abstract art. By engaging with these established structures, Degottex both participated in and subtly critiqued the contemporary art scene. As art historians, we use archival materials such as exhibition catalogues and artists' writings to understand the complex interplay of artistic expression and institutional frameworks. This approach allows us to appreciate "Bande rose" not only as an aesthetic object, but as a cultural document that reflects the aspirations and tensions of its time.