For me, it's important to experience aesthetic shock, which sets in motion our imagination, our emotions, our feelings, and our thoughts. That's the purpose of a painting and of art in general.
Pierre SoulagesPainting isn't just pretty or pleasant; it is something that helps you to stand alone and face yourself.
Pierre SoulagesIf painting doesn't offer a way to dream and create emotions, then it's not worth it.
Pierre SoulagesAt 16, I decided to do something brave: I went on a prehistoric dig. In fact, I've had my name in a museum since I was 18 years old, not for my painting but for the prehistoric objects I found. That's how I started thinking about art.
Pierre Soulages