Eau forte IX, 1957

Pierre Soulages   Master Artists

Pierre Soulages, born in December 1919 in Rodez, Aveyron, was a renowned French painter and engraver, celebrated for his profound influence on abstract art. His innovative use of black, particularly evident in his "Outrenoir" series, has left an indelible mark on the art world.

In 2019, the art community commemorated Soulages' 100th birthday with several significant exhibitions. Notably, the Musée Soulages in Rodez hosted a comprehensive retrospective, showcasing the evolution of his work over the decades. This event highlighted his enduring influence and the timeless appeal of his art.

In 2024 and 2025, Soulages' legacy continues to be honored through various exhibitions:

"New Masterpieces. Ulmberg Collection" at Kirchner Museum Davos, Switzerland (October 13, 2024 – January 3, 2025): This exhibition features select works by Soulages, emphasizing his role in shaping modern art. 

Group Exhibition at Perrotin Matignon, Paris (November 28, 2024 – February 1, 2025): A collective showcase including pieces by Soulages, highlighting his influence among contemporary artists. 

At 18, Soulages was admitted to the École nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris. However, dissatisfied with the institution's teachings, he returned to Rodez. It wasn't until after World War II, in 1946, that he fully dedicated himself to painting, settling in the suburbs of Paris. His early works, characterized by large brown strokes using walnut stain, stood out against the post-war semi-figurative and colorful Neo-Fauvist movements.

The "Outrenoir" Series and Artistic Philosophy

From the 1960s onwards, black became central to Soulages' work. In 1979, he introduced the "Outrenoir" (beyond black) series, where canvases were covered with thick layers of black paint, creating a sculptural dimension. These works play with light and texture, producing varying effects based on the viewer's perspective. Soulages aimed to engage viewers with subtle phenomena, such as contrasts that shift with movement, rather than overwhelming them with complex visuals.

Soulages' contributions to art have been recognized worldwide. His works are housed in over 110 museums across all continents, including prestigious institutions like the Phillips Gallery in Washington D.C., the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Art Museum of São Paulo.

In October 2009, the Centre Pompidou in Paris dedicated a major retrospective to Soulages, marking one of the most visited exhibitions for a living artist at the time. He was also the first living artist to exhibit at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. In 2014, the Musée Soulages was inaugurated in his hometown of Rodez, featuring an extensive collection of his works and serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the art world.

Pierre Soulages passed away on October 26, 2022, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.