Epanchement 1959

Jean Dubuffet made this painting, "Epanchement," sometime in the 20th century, likely with a brush or some kind of applicator to create that textured effect. The ochre and brownish hues almost feel like layers of sediment, like earth pressed onto the canvas. I can imagine Dubuffet, lost in the act of creation, almost like an alchemist trying to transform base materials into something precious. The surface is where the action is, the touch, the layering. Look at that one stroke, a little lighter, cutting across the surface. It's so subtle but it just makes the whole thing vibrate. You can almost feel the push and pull of his hand as he worked. Dubuffet was really interested in art brut or "raw art" and breaking away from tradition. This piece feels like it’s part of a much bigger conversation, a challenge to what art can be. It reminds me of Antoni Tàpies, who was working in similar ways at the time, transforming humble materials into something profound. Painting is always an ongoing conversation. It's about touching something that's already been touched and leaving your own mark. The process of painting really becomes a journey of self-discovery through the language of gestures, colours, and textures.