Composition 1957

Jean Degottex created this painting with bold strokes of white against a dark background. The energetic brushstrokes remind us of calligraphy and gesture, carrying the weight of meaning and emotion. The fluid, dynamic marks bring to mind the ancient practice of writing, where each stroke is not just a letter but an expression of the soul. Think of the Chinese character for water, which resembles flowing streams. This connection to the past, this echoing of historical marks, reveals how we, even subconsciously, imbue such gestures with deep cultural memory. The movement in Degottex's painting evokes primal emotions and profound spiritual connections. In different times and places, such as the ritualistic dances of indigenous cultures, these gestures reappear, evolving through history but retaining a core, visceral power. These are not merely abstract forms; they are echoes of our collective past, continually resurfacing and taking on new meanings.