The artwork titled “B-Walnut Stain” is a piece created in 1998 by the artist Pierre Soulages. Executed using acrylic and charcoal on canvas, this composition belongs to the Minimalism art movement and falls under the abstract genre.
In “B-Walnut Stain,” the artwork presents a minimalist aesthetic characterized by stark contrast and simple geometric forms. The composition is divided into three horizontal bands of varying widths. The uppermost band is a dense, opaque black that almost consumes the viewer’s gaze. Below this, a white strip balances the intensity, providing a striking contrast to the dark hue above it. The central section features a walnut brown stain, lending the piece its name, with subtle textural variations and visible charcoal marks. The base of the artwork is concluded with another white band, mirroring the second stroke and providing a balanced, harmonious form. The minimalist approach, use of limited color palette, and stark contrasts in this piece are signature elements reflective of Soulages’ focus on the power of black and the interaction of light and matter.
