Tachisme

In Crouch (2024), he presents a large abstract wall piece, assembled from vertically hung, stitched sections of unstretched burlap. By combining fine art and utilitarian materials, it evokes not only the dynamic gestures of Abstract Expressionism, but also the rich textures of Persian rugs.

With its textile elements and bulging shape, Crouch recalls Sigmund Freud’s iconic couch, which is clad in patterned carpets and placed against a wall, also covered in fabric, to create an immersive environment. Through a psychoanalytic lens, the layers of paint in Lewis’s work conjure subconscious associations beneath the surface and a complex interplay between spontaneity and introspection. Unlike the free-flowing gestures associated with Abstract Expressionism, the physical posture implied by the title Crouch suggests a more restrained and anticipatory state, reflecting inner struggles of containment and release inherent in the creative process.

From the text by Elisa Schaar, MASSIMODECARLO Pièce Unique, 2025. Read the full press release