In the 1940s, Pierre Soulages was beginning to forge his path in the world of art, a journey that would eventually earn him recognition as a leading figure in post-war abstract art. His early work was characterized by a deep engagement with abstraction and a pioneering exploration of black as both a color and a non-color. Soulages was intrigued by the way light could be reflected on black surfaces, transforming them and opening up new mental and visual spaces. This interest in the interplay between light and darkness would become a central theme throughout his career. After World War II, during which he was demobilized and spent time working on a vineyard to avoid forced labor, Soulages moved to Courbevoie near Paris in 1946. There, he established a studio and immersed himself in producing abstract works. These early pieces were marked by heavy black brushstrokes, a technique that would become a hallmark of his style. Soulages' work from this period caught the attention of the art world, and by 1947, he had his first exhibition at the Salon des Surindépendants. His work was described as rough and virile, qualities that resonated with the emerging style of lyrical abstraction, positioning him as a potent force against the dominance of American Abstract Expressionism. Soulages' artistic autonomy was evident from the outset; he was intent on exploring pictorial issues and the production process as his primary concerns, rather than fitting into a definitive art style. This commitment to his unique vision led him to further explore the color black, a fascination that was rooted in prehistoric times and the experience of early humans living in darkness before the discovery of fire. This exploration was not just about the absence of light but the presence and emotion that light reflecting off black surfaces could evoke. By the late 1940s, Soulages was gaining international recognition. His exhibitions in the United States and at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale boosted his profile, paving the way for a distinguished career that would see him become the first living artist to exhibit at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Soulages' dedication to his craft and his exploration of black as a luminous color have left an indelible mark on the art world, underscoring his role as a master of modern and contemporary art​ (Art in Context)​​ (www.wikiart.org)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.