Pierre Soulages' Outrenoir (Beyond Black) phase, which began in 1979, represents a pivotal moment in his career, marking a departure into a realm where black paint transcends its role as color to become a source of light. This period is characterized by Soulages' exploration of the material properties of paint, creating textured surfaces that reflect light in various ways. His technique involves applying black paint in thick layers and manipulating it with tools to create different textures. These textures either absorb or reflect light, disrupting the uniformity of the black surface and inviting viewers to experience a dynamic interplay of light and darkness​ (Wikipedia)​.

Outrenoir is not simply a color or a shade but a complete expression of black's depth and complexity, reflecting Soulages' lifelong fascination with the primal and pure essence of black. He often spoke of black as a color that, contrary to being the absence of light, is capable of reflecting and emitting light, creating a space filled with a "secret light" that transcends the physicality of the canvas. This concept of Outrenoir serves as both a philosophical and physical exploration of the color black, inviting viewers into a meditative experience where the perception of light and space is continually in flux​ (LVH Art)​.

Significantly, this phase did not interrupt the overall coherency of his work; instead, it deepened his investigation into the relationship between light and dark. Soulages used the light outside of the canvas, considering it as his veritable instrument, transforming the black surface into a reflective medium that projects light, creating an aura that encompasses both the painting and the viewer. This interaction with light makes the canvas a living entity that reveals different visions as the viewer's perspective changes​ (LVH Art)​.

The introduction of Outrenoir into Soulages' oeuvre was met with critical acclaim and has been a subject of numerous exhibitions around the world, underscoring its significance in the realm of contemporary art. The Musée Soulages in Rodez, among other institutions, houses extensive collections of his work, offering insights into the evolution of his practice and the profound impact of the Outrenoir series​ (Wikipedia)​​ (LVH Art)​.

Since 2004, Soulages shifted to using resins instead of oils, achieving unprecedented thicknesses of paint. This new material allowed him to introduce deep scarifications into the black surface, accentuating the play of light and shadow. The contrast between glossy or semi-glossy black and matte black surfaces offered new perspectives on pictorial light, further enriching the Outrenoir experience​ (LVH Art)​.