Pepe Espaliu
23 May - 30 Jul 2006
PEPE ESPALIÚ
Drawings (1986-1993)
Looking back on Pepe Espaliu’s artistic practice there is one evidence which is impossible not to acknowledge: drawing is the matrix of his work.
The exhibition presented at Galeria Pepe Cobo aims to gather, Pepe Espaliu’s protean personal universe (Cordoba, 1955-1993). He is without any doubt a key artist to understand Spanish contemporary art; an artist who, through the use of metaphors and symbols, created a unique work, in which meet such diverse subject matters as sexuality, spirituality and the construction of subjectivity. In order to represent them in a concise and simple way he used a discipline that enabled him also to sketch, with outstanding dexterity and skill, a sharp vital experience.
As a result, since the beginning he used drawing. Since 1986, in his paintings, it is obvious the drawing foundation. Later, his work moves onto sculpture, and there also the trace of drawing palpitates and gives structural meaning to the piece. The same thing happens with the actions carried out in Spain and Holland.
Espaliú reached a very brief climax in his production, due to his short artistic career, gathering all the experiences and inner reflections that took place during his travels in Barcelona and Paris, putting them on paper with the convenience offered by drawing.
In Espaliú’s work drawing, alone, juxtaposed on photography or inserted in metallic frames that transmit knowledge, is the instrument by means of which the artist’s obsessions are condensed and paraded; obsessions that are infused with psychoanalysis, literary and philosophical references and extreme experiences. Drawing leads him to reflect on the fragility of the identity that has the face as the epicentre of a fractured conception of existence. Drawing will also be the instrument (pencil, pen, felt-pen, conté pencil) used to deepen into spirituality, homosexual love or to stress the discrimination suffered by Aids patients, and to stress the necessity of solidarity cried out by the artist.
Espaliu’s teachings and lessons have become greater, if possible, in these recent years when the value of drawing as an artistic technique has increased.
Exhibition: May 23rd to July 30th, 2006.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 14 hrs and 17 to 20.30 hrs. Saturdays by appointment only.
Photo:
Pepe Espaliu
Sin Titulo (serie Fotografias de Barcelona), 1975
Fotografía b/n e hilo
30 x 40 cm
Drawings (1986-1993)
Looking back on Pepe Espaliu’s artistic practice there is one evidence which is impossible not to acknowledge: drawing is the matrix of his work.
The exhibition presented at Galeria Pepe Cobo aims to gather, Pepe Espaliu’s protean personal universe (Cordoba, 1955-1993). He is without any doubt a key artist to understand Spanish contemporary art; an artist who, through the use of metaphors and symbols, created a unique work, in which meet such diverse subject matters as sexuality, spirituality and the construction of subjectivity. In order to represent them in a concise and simple way he used a discipline that enabled him also to sketch, with outstanding dexterity and skill, a sharp vital experience.
As a result, since the beginning he used drawing. Since 1986, in his paintings, it is obvious the drawing foundation. Later, his work moves onto sculpture, and there also the trace of drawing palpitates and gives structural meaning to the piece. The same thing happens with the actions carried out in Spain and Holland.
Espaliú reached a very brief climax in his production, due to his short artistic career, gathering all the experiences and inner reflections that took place during his travels in Barcelona and Paris, putting them on paper with the convenience offered by drawing.
In Espaliú’s work drawing, alone, juxtaposed on photography or inserted in metallic frames that transmit knowledge, is the instrument by means of which the artist’s obsessions are condensed and paraded; obsessions that are infused with psychoanalysis, literary and philosophical references and extreme experiences. Drawing leads him to reflect on the fragility of the identity that has the face as the epicentre of a fractured conception of existence. Drawing will also be the instrument (pencil, pen, felt-pen, conté pencil) used to deepen into spirituality, homosexual love or to stress the discrimination suffered by Aids patients, and to stress the necessity of solidarity cried out by the artist.
Espaliu’s teachings and lessons have become greater, if possible, in these recent years when the value of drawing as an artistic technique has increased.
Exhibition: May 23rd to July 30th, 2006.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 14 hrs and 17 to 20.30 hrs. Saturdays by appointment only.
Photo:
Pepe Espaliu
Sin Titulo (serie Fotografias de Barcelona), 1975
Fotografía b/n e hilo
30 x 40 cm