Site Inhabited by Objects 1965

Jean Dubuffet made this painting, "Site Inhabited by Objects," using oil paint on canvas. It's a large piece, over a meter tall, and presents a complex jumble of forms, reminiscent of cityscapes and cluttered spaces. Dubuffet was interested in the art of the untrained, and here, he seems to be channeling that raw, intuitive energy. Notice how the thick black lines define each shape, giving them a bold presence. Then look at the colors: stark white, red, and blue, laid down in parallel stripes, filling each outlined shape in a repetitive process. This technique is a key to understanding the work's social context. Dubuffet deliberately embraced a seemingly unskilled style, pushing against the art world's conventions. In doing so, he highlighted the value of direct expression over academic refinement. It is like folk art on a grand scale, bringing a democratic spirit to the canvas. So, when you look at this piece, consider the skill involved, but also the statement Dubuffet was making about who gets to create art, and how.