Leaves III 1967

Curator: So, here we are in front of "Leaves III," a vibrant painting created by Jean-Paul Riopelle in 1967, using acrylic paint to build a striking impasto texture. Editor: My initial thought? Controlled chaos in crimson. It's as if a volcano erupted, but someone with a very steady hand guided the lava flows into intricate patterns. Curator: Exactly, Riopelle’s work really exemplifies abstract expressionism in the Canadian context. It moved away from narrative towards pure gesture and raw emotion. And if you look closely, there's an incredible depth, created not just by the impasto, but by layering the reds. Editor: Yes, the layering gives the piece a restless energy. I wonder what 1967 was like for him, painting like that... you know, I sometimes get the sense with art of this era that the artist are just letting their guts speak on the canvas! Also, I noticed some white spaces. Curator: Those punctuations of white definitely emphasize the dynamism, that the fiery mass is always ready to erupt again! Art historically, we see Riopelle emerging as a major figure in the Quebec art scene of the '50s and '60s, challenging conventional notions of artistic representation. He was part of a larger movement questioning established power structures and societal norms through art. Editor: Do you think the title “Leaves” really fits? I'm not so sure— I see roots more than leaves, the deep tangled undergrowth instead of floating gently on the wind! Although I can understand that some see these lines are as reminiscent of leaves against a background… like a close-up of nature, you know. Curator: I think Riopelle wants us to see the energy within nature, more than the specific forms themselves, perhaps, but that´s the great thing about abstraction—it invites personal interpretation. Editor: A reminder to find your own fiery core and paint the town red, maybe! It definitely feels like Riopelle challenges us to think, feel, and see differently!