During the 2010s, Pierre Soulages continued to engage deeply with his exploration of "Outrenoir," a term he coined to describe his method of painting that goes "beyond black." This phase of his work emphasizes the textural and reflective qualities of black paint, focusing on how it interacts with light to reveal color and depth beyond the surface. Soulages's work in this decade is characterized by a profound exploration of light, with the artist himself stating that his work played with light rather than darkness, challenging the perception of black as merely the absence of light​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Sothebys.com)​. The decade was marked by significant achievements and recognitions. One of the highlights was the opening of the Musée Soulages in Rodez in 2014, a museum dedicated to his work that showcases stages of his career from post-war oils to his "Outrenoir" phase. Soulages and his wife donated 900 works to the museum, ensuring a comprehensive representation of his artistic journey. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists, in line with Soulages's wishes​ (Wikipedia)​. In addition to the museum opening, Soulages's work continued to be celebrated in exhibitions worldwide. For instance, the Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Mexico City hosted retrospectives of his work, reflecting on his impact on post-war abstraction and his exploration of black. Furthermore, his paintings fetched record prices at auction, with one piece selling for $20.2M, underscoring his enduring appeal in the art market​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Art in Context)​. Soulages's philosophy and approach to painting, particularly his interest in the interaction between light and the textured surfaces of his work, remained a central theme of his art in the 2010s. He continued to push the boundaries of abstract painting, exploring the materiality of paint and its potential to evoke emotional and sensory responses. His work from this period exemplifies his commitment to exploring the depth and complexity of black, emphasizing its capacity to reflect light and reveal colors beyond the visible spectrum​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Sothebys.com)​. In an interview reflecting on his career, Soulages discussed the concept of "beyond black," describing it as an effort to transcend optical effects and engage with viewers' sensitivity and imagination. This conceptual shift marked a significant development in his work, highlighting his interest in the reflective qualities of black and its ability to reveal light. His work, particularly the monumental project for the stained glass windows of the Abbey of Sainte-Foy in Conques, exemplifies his ongoing fascination with modulating and playing with light​ (Sothebys.com)​. The 2010s were a decade of recognition, reflection, and continued innovation for Pierre Soulages, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. His exploration of "Outrenoir" and his philosophical engagement with the properties of black paint have left a lasting impact on the art world, challenging conventional perceptions of color and light​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Sothebys.com)​.