Pronunciation: [kˈuːlɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "coulage" is a French term that refers to the process of pouring molten metal or liquid material into a mold to create a specific shape. The pronunciation of "coulage" is /ku.laʒ/, with the "ou" sound being equivalent to the English "oo" sound, and the "age" ending is pronounced as "aʒ". Some people may mistakenly spell it as "coillage" due to the similarity in sound, but the correct spelling is "coulage".
Coulage is a term used in various fields with slightly different meanings. In the context of art, specifically in the realm of surrealism, coulage refers to a technique where liquid material, such as paint or wax, is poured onto a surface in a controlled or spontaneous manner to create unpredictable patterns and forms. It is often associated with the works of surrealist artists like Max Ernst and André Masson. This method allows artists to explore chance and automatism within their creative process, as the resulting shapes and textures are largely determined by the fluid's behavior and the force of gravity. Coulage artworks can vary in scale, from small-scale experiments to large-scale installations.
In the area of metallurgy and manufacturing, coulage refers to the process of pouring molten metal into a mold to give it a specific shape. The term is commonly used in industries such as foundries and metal casting. This procedure involves heating metal alloys until they melt and then transferring the molten material into molds or die cavities. Once the metal cools and solidifies, it takes on the desired form, which may range from intricate and detailed to simple and functional.
Overall, coulage represents an act of pouring or flowing, whether in the artistic or industrial realm, that results in the creation of unique and distinct forms.
The word "coulage" is derived from the French verb "couler", which translates to "to flow" or "to pour". "Coulage" itself is a noun form of this verb, and it refers to the action or process of pouring or casting a material, such as liquid metal, into a mold to create a specific shape or form.
