Blue Disk (Disque Bleu) 1977

Pierre Alechinsky made this print, Blue Disk, sometime during his long career exploring the possibilities of ink on paper. The whole thing, rendered in simple marks, is like a dreamscape that emerged spontaneously through the act of drawing. Looking closely, you can see how Alechinsky’s process is right there on the surface, immediate and unfiltered. The lines vary in thickness and pressure, giving the image a lively, almost vibrating quality. The deep red ink creates a stark contrast against the white paper, with the single blue circle punctuating the composition. Notice how the lines build up to suggest forms, but always remain open, inviting your eye to complete the picture. It’s like a puzzle, where the solution is never quite fixed. I think about artists like Joan Miró when I look at this piece. Both were interested in a sort of automatic drawing, tapping into the subconscious to create images that feel both familiar and utterly strange. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what it all means.