Agressivité pure
Artist: Emile Gilioli
Date: Circa 1957–1960
Dimensions: 58 x 94 in, 148 x 239 cm
Material: Handwoven wool tapestry
Manufacture: Atelier Picaud, Aubusson
Edition: 1/6
Signature: Signed lower left
Condition: Excellent condition
Agressivité pure (Pure Aggression) is a dynamic tapestry by Emile Gilioli, woven at the Atelier Picaud in Aubusson. The work reflects a more active phase of his practice, where composition is driven by contrast, tension, and directional force rather than stability.
The structure is defined by a central, angular form that cuts across the surface. This element acts as a dividing line, separating the composition into opposing sections while also holding them together. Its sharp edges create an immediate sense of movement, directing the eye across the tapestry in a single, decisive gesture.
Color reinforces this tension. Deep blues and blacks form a dense, receding field, while areas of red and white push forward with greater intensity. These contrasts are not blended; they meet abruptly, maintaining clarity between each plane and preserving the strength of the composition.
The surrounding shapes are arranged with irregular edges and shifting angles, creating a sense of imbalance that remains controlled. Each form appears to press against the next, generating a continuous interaction across the surface without collapsing into disorder.
Despite its energy, the composition remains precise. The transitions between colors and shapes are clean, allowing the structure to remain legible even at a larger scale. This clarity is essential to the work, ensuring that its force is carried through form rather than excess detail.
Agressivité pure translates Gilioli’s sculptural thinking into a more active visual language. Instead of mass and weight, the focus is on direction and impact—where geometry becomes a vehicle for tension and movement.






