Depli bleu (II) 1979

Editor: Jean Degottex’s "Depli bleu (II)" from 1979, an acrylic work, intrigues me. Its simplicity, with minimal blue lines against a large white space, gives me a sense of calm deliberation. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Formally, the painting establishes a visual rhythm using line and plane. The stark contrast between the diluted white field and concentrated blue strokes structures our reading. The composition can be understood as an arrangement of rectangular forms punctuated by the horizontal blue lines. Note how the placement is not arbitrary, each band seems carefully considered. Editor: Yes, the line placements definitely catch my attention! How would you describe Degottex's application of the medium, and why? Curator: The medium's materiality is of vital importance here: The application is rough and immediate; acrylic gives a slightly textured appearance that underscores the deliberate process. In breaking down representational conventions, the materiality itself comes forward. What is emphasized then is gesture, line, and their interplay within pictorial space. Degottex compels a close examination of purely visual components. Editor: I never would have interpreted the line and shape choices that way, thank you! Curator: The process of formal reading in turn emphasizes the intrinsic value of such artistic practice. A fruitful exercise indeed!