Sur Alu

Peinture sur aluminium,1972 - (116x81 cm)

In his work as a painter, sculptor and engraver, Clavé was quick to assert a certain humility before his tools and always emphasised the artisanal aspect of his creation. Vu à Vicky Street, just as Sur Alu, which is executed using the same medium, lies at the crossroads between painting (the use of both oil and spray paint) and engraving on aluminium (in this case an assemblage of engraved metal sheets). In 1972, Clavé was engraving on aluminium, creating a total of eleven original prints. With Sur Alu, he completes his work by bringing together several attempts (not all of which are kept) into which he breaths “new life” – by unifying and reinventing. This constant experimentation and in-depth research is always combined with the element of chance to whom the artist always conferred an essential role. Clavé liked to describe himself as instinctive. As formulated by Pierre Restany, one could speak in this instance of « artistic recycling ». 

Peinture
Assemblage
Peinture sur aluminium
Vu à New York