Art Spotlight | Pierre Soulages: Black Light

Simon Chong has always placed art at the core of his design inspiration, and the works of abstract artist Pierre Soulages have been a model of inspiration for him over the years. Known as the "Painter of Black and Light," Soulages's career spanned seven decades, making him one of the most representative artists of postwar Europe

Pierre Soulages has been exploring the possibilities of black since his early days, experimenting with walnut dyes and thick pigments, gradually developing a unique visual language that culminated in his renowned Outrenoir series, a creative approach that transcends black and uses light as a medium. He sees black not as a color but as a substance that reflects light, evokes a sense of space, and creates emotional tension. Using tools like rakes, spoons, and rubber, he sculpts black onto canvas, imbuing it with textures ranging from matte to glossy, rough, and smooth, transforming it into a vessel of light and a portal to spirituality and spatial depth.

Simon frequently draws on Soulages' aesthetic language in his designs for residential and commercial spaces, viewing black as a tool for constructing emotion and spirituality. He believes that black absorbs light, extends vision, and, through its material and structure, creates a sense of time and tranquility. Simon states, "The value of space lies not in visual saturation, but in how, through the use of white space, light guides emotions and allows thoughts to unfold in silence."

In diverse urban and cultural contexts, Simon draws on Soulages' artistic philosophy to transform spaces into tranquil, profound, and poetic venues for living and experiencing. Whether in private residences or public spaces, Simon crafts ambiances based on the specific characteristics of the location and the needs of its users, employing a unique aesthetic language. He expertly employs light, shadow, and materials to create spaces that connect with the human soul, creating rich layers and emotional depth within diverse design contexts.

Whether you’re an art collector or wish to integrate art into residential or commercial spaces, get in touch with us to see how we can collaborate on creating unique and richly layered spatial experiences.