Yves Gaucher
(Canadian, 1934–2000)
C.D.R. Rouge I, 1987
Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36 × 52 in. (91.4 × 132.1 cm)
Inscriptions: Signed, titled, and dated on the reverse
In C.D.R. Rouge I (1987), Yves Gaucher presents a monumental color-field composition defined by precise asymmetrical division and deep chromatic resonance. Measuring over four feet wide, the work is organized into three distinct vertical zones: a narrow ochre-brown column along the left margin, a central dark charcoal block, and an expansive field of deep, saturated plum-burgundy across the right. Unlike static vertical stripe compositions, Gaucher introduces a subtle, inclined boundary between the charcoal center and the adjacent plum field, creating an active, off-balance visual tension across the canvas.
Executed in 1987, the painting represents a major conceptual synthesis in Gaucher’s oeuvre. Here, the hard-edge geometric precision of his early Les Plasticiens period converges with the meditative, atmospheric subtlety developed during his landmark Grey on Grey series of the late 1960s and 1970s. Rather than relying on bright primary colors, Gaucher employs a somber, highly sophisticated palette that produces a low-frequency optical vibration where the tones interact dynamically along their razor-thin edges.
Drawing on his lifelong engagement with music, particularly the rhythmic structure of contemporary classical composition, Gaucher translates temporal duration and acoustic pauses into visual intervals of spatial tension, silence, and cadence. At 36 × 52 inches, C.D.R. Rouge I offers an authoritative architectural presence, standing as a prime, fully realized example of Gaucher's mature mastery.
Represented Canada at the 33rd Venice Biennale (1966) alongside Roy Kiyooka and Guido Molinari.
Recipient of the prestigious Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas (1999), Quebec's highest honor for the visual arts.
Officer of the Order of Canada (1981).
Subject of major retrospectives organized by the National Gallery of Canada (1979) and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (2003).
Museum of Modern Art / MoMA (New York, NY)
Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK)
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Art Gallery of Ontario / AGO (Toronto, ON)
Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal / MACM (Montreal, QC)
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts / MMFA (Montreal, QC)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art / SFMOMA (San Francisco, CA)
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C.)
Yves Gaucher
(Canadian, 1934–2000)
C.D.R. Rouge I, 1987
Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 36 × 52 in. (91.4 × 132.1 cm)
Inscriptions: Signed, titled, and dated on the reverse
In C.D.R. Rouge I (1987), Yves Gaucher presents a monumental color-field composition defined by precise asymmetrical division and deep chromatic resonance. Measuring over four feet wide, the work is organized into three distinct vertical zones: a narrow ochre-brown column along the left margin, a central dark charcoal block, and an expansive field of deep, saturated plum-burgundy across the right. Unlike static vertical stripe compositions, Gaucher introduces a subtle, inclined boundary between the charcoal center and the adjacent plum field, creating an active, off-balance visual tension across the canvas.
Executed in 1987, the painting represents a major conceptual synthesis in Gaucher’s oeuvre. Here, the hard-edge geometric precision of his early Les Plasticiens period converges with the meditative, atmospheric subtlety developed during his landmark Grey on Grey series of the late 1960s and 1970s. Rather than relying on bright primary colors, Gaucher employs a somber, highly sophisticated palette that produces a low-frequency optical vibration where the tones interact dynamically along their razor-thin edges.
Drawing on his lifelong engagement with music, particularly the rhythmic structure of contemporary classical composition, Gaucher translates temporal duration and acoustic pauses into visual intervals of spatial tension, silence, and cadence. At 36 × 52 inches, C.D.R. Rouge I offers an authoritative architectural presence, standing as a prime, fully realized example of Gaucher's mature mastery.
Represented Canada at the 33rd Venice Biennale (1966) alongside Roy Kiyooka and Guido Molinari.
Recipient of the prestigious Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas (1999), Quebec's highest honor for the visual arts.
Officer of the Order of Canada (1981).
Subject of major retrospectives organized by the National Gallery of Canada (1979) and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (2003).
Museum of Modern Art / MoMA (New York, NY)
Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK)
National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON)
Art Gallery of Ontario / AGO (Toronto, ON)
Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal / MACM (Montreal, QC)
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts / MMFA (Montreal, QC)
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art / SFMOMA (San Francisco, CA)
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C.)
