Mais où sont-ils

Pierre Alechinsky's "Mais où sont-ils" (Where are they?) from 1963 is a captivating example of his vibrant and expressive style, deeply rooted in the COBRA movement he co-founded in 1949. Alechinsky, born in Belgium and later working in France, was known for his spontaneous, almost calligraphic approach to painting and printmaking, influenced by his studies in illustration and photography, as well as his later interest in Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. This color offset lithograph showcases the energetic brushwork and fantastical, often semi-abstract forms characteristic of COBRA artists, who prioritized instinct and raw emotion over academic convention. The title itself, a question, hints at the enigmatic and narrative quality often present in his work, inviting the viewer to delve into the swirling forms and discover hidden figures or meanings within the composition. This piece reflects his continuous exploration of abstraction and the expressive potential of line and color, a journey that saw him exhibit internationally and later become a professor of painting in Paris.