Lithograph, 1984

Edition : 39/90

53.00 cm. x 76.00 cm. | 20.87 in. x 29.92 in. (paper)

50.00 cm. x 73.00 cm. | 19.69 in. x 28.74 in. (image)

After studying architecture and literature, Olivier Debré (1920-1999) turned to painting. He defines himself as a painter of reality but not in an imitative line. Inspired by the landscapes of Touraine, a region in central France,which he was particularly fond of, he translated his feelings onto canvas or, as here, onto paper. Classified by some as an "abstract landscape painter", Debré seems to escape all categorization, so unique is his career. He himself spoke of a "fervent subjective abstraction".
In the 1960s, he began a long series of "Signes-Paysages". The lithograph that we propose, with its big dimensions, belongs to this series. The artist wanted to capture a form of essentiality of nature, without passing by its copy, what he names "sign". A sort of equivalent of nature with pictorial means.
He explains: "So that the sign is alive, it was necessary that it is spontaneous and that my fervor passes there and the difficulty was that the conscience kills the fervor". This implies a form of improvisation in the creation.
In this composition, the large horizontal strokes have the lightness of water (the Loire River fascinated the artist). They are simply punctuated by two green touches at the top and bottom. This representation of fluidity is reinforced by the delicate texture of the red surface.

Very good condition
Handsigned by the artist in pencil
Certificate of authenticity

Ref : LCD5469