In the 1970s, Pierre Soulages made a significant evolution in his artistic journey, which would come to define much of his legacy. This period marked the beginning of what would be known as his "Outrenoir" phase, a term he coined to describe his works that explored the texture, light, and depth of the color black beyond its traditional perception as merely the absence of color. The Outrenoir series represented a profound shift towards monochrome, emphasizing the interaction between light and the textured surfaces of black paint. Soulages' approach to these pieces was not just about applying paint but sculpting it on the canvas to reflect light in various ways, transforming black into a luminous and dynamic presence. Emerging in the late 1970s, the Outrenoir works were a continuation of Soulages' exploration of black, which had been a central theme in his art since the 1940s. By this time, black had progressively dominated his canvases, but with the Outrenoir series, Soulages began to investigate the reflective qualities of black paint, creating surfaces that could capture and manipulate light. This was not a departure from his previous works but rather an evolution that retained the overall coherency of his oeuvre. Soulages himself described Outrenoir as a reflection of light that is "beyond black," a concept that underscores his interest in the material properties of paint and its capacity to influence perception and emotional response. The Outrenoir series was met with critical acclaim and has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, showcasing Soulages' innovative techniques and his unique approach to abstract painting. The series highlights his mastery in using black to explore spatial and temporal dynamics, inviting viewers to engage with the paintings from different perspectives and to experience the shifting interplay between light and darkness. Soulages' work from this era and his subsequent explorations into the Outrenoir concept solidify his reputation as a pivotal figure in abstract art, renowned for his ability to invoke depth and luminescence from the color black. His contributions during the 1970s and beyond have left an indelible mark on the art world, earning him a place among the most celebrated artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. (LVH Art)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.