Les Aiguilles, VI 

Pierre Alechinsky made "Les Aiguilles, VI" using paint, and with it, he presents a landscape rich with visual codes. Consider the cultural moment in which Alechinsky worked, particularly his association with the CoBrA group following the Second World War. These artists sought a spontaneous, childlike expression, rejecting the formal constraints of academic art. The painting’s title translates to ‘The Needles,’ which might reference mountain peaks, yet the abstracted forms and vibrant colors push beyond mere representation. The spontaneous application of paint and the loose, gestural lines speak to a desire to break free from traditional artistic conventions. We see an echo of post-war Europe's rebuilding efforts and a move toward new forms of expression. As historians, we investigate the manifestos, letters, and exhibition catalogues of the time, which are vital resources for understanding how artists like Alechinsky saw their role in shaping a new cultural landscape. Art becomes meaningful through its place in social and institutional contexts.