Depli graphite (V) 

Jean Degottex made this artwork, Depli graphite (V), using graphite, possibly during his later years. It presents us with a meditation on the minimalist aesthetic that was so influential in the post-war period. Degottex was a French artist who explored the boundaries of abstraction, and this work is a good example of how artists critiqued traditional notions of art. This piece questions the role of the artist's hand and the very definition of artistic expression. The grid-like composition, combined with the subtle use of graphite, invites us to consider the social and institutional frameworks that define what we consider art. Was Degottex commenting on the commercialization of the art world? To fully appreciate this work, one could delve into exhibition reviews from the period, or visit the artist's gallery to find insights. Ultimately, the meaning of art lies in its context, and this piece offers a window into the social landscape of its time.