Provenance: Galerie Pierre Matisse, New York. Galerie Gilles Corbeil, Montréal
Catalogue raisonné Tome 4 page, 2301970.056H.1970
Since 1953, Jean-Paul Riopelle had an exclusive arrangement with the art dealer Pierre Matisse in New York, who represented his interests in the United States. Simultaneously, Riopelle was also affiliated with the Galerie Maeght in Paris. Each year, the two dealers exchanged Riopelle's works from his workshop and coordinated exhibitions tailored to the preferences of collectors and the distinct characteristics of their respective markets. Furthermore, they frequently collaborated to present corresponding exhibitions on both continents. The enduring partnership between Riopelle and his New York dealer was evident until the end, culminating in the final exhibition at the Pierre Matisse Gallery, a solo exhibition dedicated to Jean-Paul Riopelle, held in 1989. This 1970 piece by Jean-Paul Riopelle is an oil on canvas that embodies his abstract and gestural style. Dynamic brushstrokes and a rich palette, including shades of blue, black, white, red, and orange, combine to form a complex and textured composition. Renowned for his unique approach to abstraction, Riopelle employed thick paint strokes applied with a knife, imparting a sculptural quality to the canvas surface. Texture and color blend and overlap, creating a sense of depth and movement.