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Eric de Chassey rethinks abstract painting through photography

publication · 2026-04-23

In an article for artpress issue 307, Eric de Chassey reconsiders abstract painting by drawing an unprecedented parallel with photography. He argues that if photography is no longer seen merely as a mirror of reality, abstraction should not be defined as the opposite of realism. The piece is part of a broader investigation into contemporary painting initiated by Richard Leydier's earlier text "La nouvelle peinture et la France."

Key facts

  • Eric de Chassey writes about abstract painting in artpress issue 307.
  • The article draws a parallel between abstract painting and photography.
  • De Chassey argues abstraction should not be seen as the inverse of realism.
  • The piece is part of an ongoing inquiry into painting started by Richard Leydier.
  • Leydier's article 'La nouvelle peinture et la France' appeared in the same issue.
  • The article is titled 'Peintures, à suivre… : Un modernisme humble : la peinture abstraite aujourd'hui'.
  • The publication date is March 1, 2005.
  • The article is available as a PDF download.

Entities

Artists

  • Eric de Chassey
  • Richard Leydier

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources