Clous 1969

Bernard Aubertin made ‘Clous’ out of nails and paint; the exact date of its making is unknown. Aubertin, a key member of the Zero art movement, created artworks in the post-war period. The movement sought to strip away the artifice of traditional art forms, focusing on raw materials and elemental forms. The monochromatic red surface of 'Clous' is disrupted by the systematic arrangement of nails. This transforms a simple, commonplace object into a field of texture and shadow. The use of nails can be seen as a metaphor for the painful realities of the post-war era, where violence and destruction were deeply felt experiences. The artist prompts a reconsideration of the relationship between destruction and creation. The artwork confronts viewers with questions about materiality and the hidden meanings within everyday objects. Aubertin’s artistic practice challenges us to recognize how historical events shape our perceptions, and how we find the potential for beauty even in the most unlikely of places.