Artelibre Gallery has enthusiastically announced the opening of its commemorative international collective exhibition marking its 25th anniversary, held at the prestigious European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona. Located in the Palacio Gomis, an 18th-century building in Barcelona's vibrant Born district, this event promises to be a journey through virtual art and a commitment to realism in the digital age.
Founded by José Enrique González in 1999, Artelibre has been a global leader in promoting realistic art, becoming an online platform with over a million daily visits and maintaining the top position in Google searches for "Art Gallery" for over 15 years. The opening ceremony, held on May 17th, was presided over by José Enrique González, who highlighted the enduring significance of realism throughout art history, from ancient cave paintings at Altamira to contemporary hyperrealism.
The event drew a large crowd, exceeding the room's capacity of 70 people, reflecting the enthusiasm and recognition for this significant celebration. Featuring a total of 75 artworks, including pieces by Spanish artists and contributors from countries ranging from Italy to Japan, the exhibition showcases a wide variety of styles and techniques that exemplify the mastery and transcendence of realistic and hyperrealistic art.
This grand exhibition will be open to the public until September 15, 2024, inviting art enthusiasts and the general public to immerse themselves in a celebration of artistic excellence and technical mastery. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the legacy of Artelibre Gallery and its profound impact on the art world.
For more details and to explore the exhibition further, click [here](link) to access the full article.
In addition to hosting the commemorative anniversary exhibition of Artelibre Gallery, the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona will also participate in "La Noche de Museos," an annual cultural event in Barcelona. This event, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, promises a cultural extravaganza for all ages across eight municipalities, offering more than 150 activities, most of which are free of charge.
"La Noche de Museos" transforms the city with extended opening hours from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM, allowing visitors to explore exhibitions and engage in a variety of activities such as workshops, concerts, recitals, mappings, and guided tours. This year, the event integrates four new museums into its cultural experience, including Museo Tierra - Sala Barcelona, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Barcelona - Centro Martorell de Exposiciones, Museo del Arte Prohibido, and Muralla Romana - Centro Ocupacional Sinea / Servicio de Arqueología de Barcelona.
This edition aims to surpass previous post-pandemic attendance records, offering a promising cultural experience that celebrates the richness of Barcelona's museum landscape.
The news can be seen at this link
Jordi Díaz Alamà assumes the direction of the MEAM, committing to maintain it as a benchmark of contemporary figurative art. More info at https://museumeam.wordpress.com/2024/03/22/nuevainfo/
Laberinto Gris eagerly announces the first exhibition of 2024 at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, featuring the works of renowned artists Romulo Royo and Luis Royo. Titled "The Dream of Fantasy," the exhibition will run from February 1st to March 31st, offering visitors a captivating journey through the most enigmatic corners of imagination.
The grand opening is scheduled for February 1st at 6:30 PM in the main hall of MEAM. The event will commence with remarks from the museum director and the artists themselves, sharing insights into their inspirations and creative processes. Attendees will then explore the museum's second floor, where iconic works such as Romulo Royo's "Beyond" and Luis Royo's "Full Moon" will be showcased.
The exhibition explores the enduring theme of fantasy through travels and dualities in the works of Luis & Rómulo Royo. From paying homage to Francisco de Goya to exploring worlds of dreamed goddesses and exotic cultures in "Goddesses of Nibiru," the Royos transport viewers through timeless journeys that delve into the sensuality of the occult and fantasy. Moreover, elements like feathers, tattoos, and jewelry become timeless talismans that persist throughout their works, exploring dualities between beauty and beast, life and death.
Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to discover the latest works on which the artists have been working, including the ongoing series "Homenaje a Goya." This part of the project will continue evolving throughout 2024, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a new universe created in the Royos' studios.
Despite nearly 300 years separating their births, the Aragonese artists share roots with the genius Francisco de Goya, whose influence is reflected in the arid and extreme terrain of northern Spain. Through different aesthetics and protagonists, the obsession with fantasy persists, linking their works across time.
For more details about this exciting exhibition, you can access the full article by clicking here.
Mark Tennant emerges as a contemporary master who defies dominant trends. Despite his grounding in traditional techniques, the artist manages to surprise us with some of the most intriguing and relevant works of current urban culture. His paintings, composed of broad brushstrokes and bold areas of color, evoke reminiscences of Impressionism and capture the essence of the early 20th-century avant-garde movement. Far from seeking realism, Tennant delves into the transmission of emotions implicit in colors and forms, illuminating captivating portraits of contemporary urban youth. This exhibition invites us to immerse ourselves in the contrast between the classic and the contemporary, challenging the notion that only modern artistic currents can explore the richness of urban culture.
The excitement is in the air as the art event of the year draws near! We are pleased to announce that this week, the gathering of jury members for the 2023 Figurativas International Painting and Sculpture Contest will take place. This prestigious contest, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art, has attracted talented artists from around the globe and has captured the interest of art lovers.
The jury deliberation meeting will be held in Barcelona at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) throughout the weekend. During these days, the jury members, composed of art experts and prominent artists, will come together to evaluate and discuss the participating artworks and select this year’s winners.
The Figurativas contest, organized by the Foundation of Arts and Artists, aims to promote and disseminate the importance of figurative art in contemporary art. Through this competition, the goal is to recognize and reward the talent of artists who use figurative representation as a central theme in their works.
The contest’s jury plays a crucial role in the selection of the winners. Each jury member brings their unique perspective and experience in the art world, enriching the selection process. During the meeting, they will analyze and debate the submitted artworks, evaluating criteria such as technical quality, originality, artistic expression, and the ability to convey a message through the artwork.
It is important to highlight that the selection process of the Figurativas contest is rigorous and transparent. The jury works independently, without external influences, ensuring impartiality and fairness in the choice of winners. Each decision is made with great care and supported by solid arguments, guaranteeing the quality and recognition of the awarded prizes.
But that’s not all! This year, the Figurativas contest has decided to open its doors to followers and art enthusiasts. To ensure that no one misses out on the exciting moments of the jury meeting, the contest’s Instagram profile has been activated, allowing everyone to follow the updates in real time.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend filled with art and excitement. The gathering of jury members for the 2023 Figurativas contest is about to begin.
Let the deliberation begin, and may art surprise us once again with its beauty and capacity to move us!
The art of representation. Throughout its trajectory, which began in June 2011, the MEAM has become a
reference center for contemporary figurative art, where exhibitions of nationally and internationally
renowned artists are presented. Over the years, the museum has enjoyed constant evolution and
overflowing activity, becoming a dynamic entity capable of generating synergies between the public and
artists, thus offering a space for those who believe in a new expression of contemporary art.
The reception of thousands of visitors along with great media coverage have made the MEAM one of
the most visited museums in Barcelona, consolidating itself as an undisputed attraction of the city.
However, throughout this trajectory, the museum has been able to observe a paradoxical relationship
between the reception of contemporary figurative art regarding visitors and the general unfamiliarity of
this artistic trend regarding the general public.
Contemporary figurative painting refers to the representation of the human being, nature, and
recognizable objects in a style that is modern or current. It is often considered an artistic movement that
has emerged as a reaction against the abstract art that dominated the art scene in the 20th century.
Unlike abstract art, which focuses on form, concept, color, and texture, contemporary figurative
painting focuses on the realistic representation of the human being and their environment. Instead of
hiding reality behind abstraction, contemporary figurative painting seeks to highlight the beauty and
complexity of everyday life and human emotions.
Contemporary figurative painting has also been influenced by photography. Many artists of this
movement use photography as a reference to create works of art that represent reality with
photographic precision. However, unlike photography, contemporary figurative painting often adds
emotional and subjective layers to the representation of reality: portraits that capture the essence of
the subject and their emotional intensity. The works are often based on themes and motifs that are
easily recognizable to the viewer, making them more accessible and understandable. Figurative painting
invites the viewer to identify with the characters or scenes depicted, increasing the emotional impact of
the work on the viewer.
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INFORMA SOBRE ESTE ANUNCIOPRIVACIDAD
Currently, contemporary figurative painting continues to evolve. Artists continue to experiment with
new media and techniques to represent the human figure realistically and expressively. In addition, the
growing influence of popular culture and social media favors the creation of works that reflect
contemporary life more authentically.
In this vein, with this exhibition, the MEAM aims to highlight the strong presence that contemporary
figurative art has in our days, with endless possibilities of representing reality and with a message based
on the manifestation of the reality of our time. Works that, for the most part, do not seek formal
mimesis, but proximity to social reality, following in the field of plastic arts an ideological path that
renews the modern spirit. For this reason, this exhibition includes paintings with realistic, hyperrealistic,
and expressionistic brushstrokes. The works are characterized by a meticulous and realistic technique, in
which each brushstroke is clearly visible.
This exhibition will allow us to observe, for the first time as a whole, a broad selection of works that
include pieces by preeminent artists of this figurative trend, ranging from the Spanish realist school of
the 70s-80s, American hyperrealism, new European realism, sometimes called new pictorial figuration,
to the creations of younger and emerging artists.
The goal is to present a general overview of the current trend through the great masters of figurative art
and the most prominent artists of the same. Artists who lead the current path, not only for being the
pioneers of this artistic movement at the international level but also for having their roots in the
pictorial tradition in search of a new art language of our time.
Mimesis is a cry for reality in a digitized world where the viewer will be immersed in the universe
represented in the works, where the works act as a mirror of our society and as a means to explore the emotions and mysteries of our existence. We will see works with new spatial structure, compositional disorder, exaggerated and deforming expressiveness, representations of the isolated human figure,
transformations of traditional supports, and syntactic innovations in the formation of spaces and
narratives. In short, artists who have given way to what we now call: The New Figuration of the 21st
century.
Welcome to MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art!
We are a space dedicated to promoting and disseminating the creativity and talent of contemporary artists, both established and emerging. Located in the heart of Barcelona, our museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers from around the world.
In our profile, you will find a wide variety of inspiring content, ranging from breathtaking artworks to exciting cultural events and activities. Join our community and immerse yourself in the richness of contemporary artistic expression.
Explore our permanent and temporary exhibitions, where you can admire a diverse range of styles, techniques, and concepts. Each artwork we display has been carefully selected to captivate and challenge our visitors, offering new perspectives and unforgettable experiences.
Moreover, we are passionate about fostering dialogue and interaction among artists, curators, and art enthusiasts. Through our special events, workshops, and talks, we provide a meeting space where ideas are exchanged and connections are forged.
Would you like to participate more actively? Share your museum experiences using the hashtag #MEAMexperience and become part of our virtual community. We would love to hear your opinions and see how our artworks have impacted you.
Come and discover the power of contemporary art at MEAM - European Museum of Modern Art! Follow us to stay updated on our latest exhibitions, events, and special surprises. Together, we will create a space where art and imagination merge to inspire and transform.
Throughout its trajectory, which began in June 2011, the MEAM has become a reference center for contemporary figurative art, where exhibitions of nationally and internationally renowned artists are presented. Over the years, the museum has enjoyed constant evolution and overflowing activity, becoming a dynamic entity capable of generating synergies between the public and the artists, thus offering a space for those who believe in a new expression of contemporary art.
The reception of thousands of visitors along with great media coverage has made the MEAM one of the most visited museums in Barcelona, consolidating itself as an undisputed attraction of the city. However, throughout this trajectory, the museum has witnessed a paradoxical relationship between the reception of contemporary figurative art by visitors and the general unawareness of this artistic trend among the general public.
Contemporary figurative painting refers to the representation of the human being, nature, and recognizable objects in a style that is modern or current. It is often considered an artistic movement that has emerged as a reaction against the abstract art that dominated the art scene in the 20th century. Unlike abstract art, which focuses on form, concept, color, and texture, contemporary figurative painting focuses on the realistic representation of the human being and their environment. Instead of hiding reality behind abstraction, contemporary figurative painting seeks to highlight the beauty and complexity of everyday life and human emotions.
Contemporary figurative painting has also been influenced by photography. Many artists in this movement use photography as a reference to create artworks that represent reality with photographic precision. However, unlike photography, contemporary figurative painting often adds emotional and subjective layers to the representation of reality: portraits that capture the essence of the subject and their emotional intensity. The works often rely on themes and motifs that are easily recognizable to the viewer, making them more accessible and understandable. Figurative painting invites the viewer to identify with the depicted characters or scenes, increasing the emotional impact of the artwork on the viewer.
Currently, contemporary figurative painting continues to evolve. Artists continue to experiment with new media and techniques to represent the human figure in a realistic and expressive manner. Furthermore, the growing influence of popular culture and social media favors the creation of artworks that reflect contemporary life in a more authentic way.
In line with this, and with this exhibition, the MEAM aims to highlight the strong presence that contemporary figurative art has in our days, with endless possibilities to represent reality and with a message based on the manifestation of the reality of our time. These artworks, for the most part, do not aim for formal mimesis but rather proximity to social reality, following an ideological path that renews the modern spirit within the field of visual arts. For this reason, this exhibition integrates paintings with realistic, hyperrealistic, and expressionistic brushstrokes. The artworks are characterized by a meticulous and realistic technique, where each brushstroke is clearly visible.
Announcement
INFORM ABOUT THISADVERTISEMENTPRIVACY This exhibition will allow for the first time a comprehensive view of a broad selection of artworks, including works by prominent artists of this figurative trend, ranging from the Spanish realist school of the 70s-80s, American hyperrealism, the new European realists, sometimes referred to as the new pictorial figuration, to the creations of younger and emerging artists.
The objective is to present a general overview of the current trend through the great masters of figurative art and the most outstanding artists in the field. These artists lead the current path, not only as pioneers of this artistic movement internationally but also by having their roots in the pictorial tradition in search of a new language of art for our time.
"Mimesis" is a cry for reality in a digitized world where the viewer will be immersed in the universe represented in the artworks, where the artworks act as mirrors of our society and as a means to explore the emotions and mysteries of our existence.
We will see artworks with new spatial structure, compositional disorder, exaggerated and distorting expressiveness, representations of the isolated human figure, transformations of traditional supports, and syntactic innovations in the shaping of spaces and narratives. In short, artists who have paved the way for what we now call: The New Figuration of the 21st century.
Bertrand Desmaricaux (°1963) is an artist based in Belgium. He studied figure and portrait painting (and drawing) in the Art Students League of New York, Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, the New York Academy of Art, the Art League of Virginia, Scottsdale Artists’ School, Paris Academy of Art, Art Digger Lab in Madrid and Flemish Classical Atelier in Bruges.
He regularly teaches portrait painting workshops, mainly in the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris.
He usually paints from life, and he is best known for his loose and lively use of color and his warm connection to his subjects. His technique consists of first applying the large areas of color with thinned paint, and then gradually working out the smaller areas with thicker paint. His first emphasis is on placing the right colors next to each other, and only then gradually working out the drawing.
His work has been selected and exhibited in New York (Art Students League, Salmagundi Club), Paris (Salon des Beaux Arts), Scottsdale, Venice, Barcelona (MEAM) and Amsterdam
We are pleased to announce the addition of a new member to the jury panel of the prestigious international painting and sculpture competition Figurativas 2023, organized biennially by the Foundation of Arts and Artists of Barcelona. We are delighted to welcome the renowned Chilean painter Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro.
Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro is a talented artist born in Santiago de Chile, whose passion for art has developed into a solid and remarkable artistic career. From an early age, he showed an innate interest in painting, which led him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic development.
Lorca's work is characterized by his mastery of realism and his ability to capture the human essence through his portraits and figurative compositions. His style is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, precision in drawing, and a rich and expressive color palette. Each of his creations is a profound exploration of the human condition, conveying emotions and complex narratives with unmatched mastery.
Throughout his career, Guillermo Lorca has received numerous awards and recognitions in important art competitions at national and international levels. His work has been exhibited in prominent galleries and museums around the world, captivating audiences with his ability to capture life in every brushstroke.
The addition of Guillermo Lorca García-Huidobro to the jury panel of the Figurativas 2023 competition is a great honor for all of us. His experience, artistic vision, and knowledge in the field of painting and sculpture will further enrich the evaluation of the works presented in this prestigious competition.
Excitement is in the air as the highly anticipated art event of the year approaches! We are pleased to announce that this week will mark the gathering of the jury members for the Figurativas 2023 international painting and sculpture competition. This prestigious competition, which has become a reference in the world of contemporary art, has attracted talented artists from around the globe and piqued the interest of art enthusiasts.
The jury deliberation meeting will take place in Barcelona at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) throughout the weekend. During these days, the jury members, composed of art experts and prominent artists, will come together to evaluate and discuss the participating artworks and select this year's winners.
The Figurativas competition, organized by the Foundation of Arts and Artists, aims to promote and disseminate the importance of figuration in contemporary art. Through this competition, the goal is to recognize and reward the talent of artists who utilize figurative representation as a central theme in their works.
The jury of the competition plays a crucial role in the selection of the winners. Each jury member brings their unique perspective and experience in the art world, enriching the selection process. During the meeting, they will analyze and debate the presented artworks, evaluating criteria such as technical quality, originality, artistic expression, and the ability to convey a message through the artwork.
It is important to highlight that the selection process for the Figurativas competition is rigorous and transparent. The jury works independently, without external influences, ensuring impartiality and fairness in the selection of the winners. Each decision is made with great care and is supported by solid arguments, guaranteeing the quality and recognition of the awarded prizes.
But that's not all! This year, the Figurativas competition has decided to open its doors to followers and art lovers. To ensure that nobody misses the exciting moments of the jury meeting, the competition's Instagram profile has been activated, where everyone can follow the updates in real-time.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of art and excitement. The gathering of the Figurativas 2023 competition's jury members is about to begin.
Let the deliberation commence and may art once again surprise us with its beauty and its capacity to move us!
"Portraiture is capturing the soul of a person", says the director of the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern (MEAM) in Barcelona, José Enrique González, and the Dutch artist Wim Heldens and Felipe Tenorio from Madrid have certainly accomplished this. With hyperrealist works, which at first glance look like photographs and even show the pores of the skin, the artists have come first place in the painting and drawing categories of the 9th edition of the figurative portrait competition ModPortrait 2021. The 103 selected works will be on display at the MEAM until 18 September.
Read the full article here.
The MEAM presents “Si Volse a Retro”, an exhibition that pays homage to the Inferno from Dante's Divine Comedy.
The exhibition, which will be available until June 26, brings together 63 works between paintings and sculptures: 54 paintings by Jordi Díaz and 9 sculptures by Grzegorz Gwiazda.
The exhibition is part of the celebration of the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri and pays tribute to his most famous work, the Divine Comedy.
The “Si Volse a Retro” series focuses on the different scenes of Hell, pictorially materializing Dante's most impressive imagery.
Barcelona, ??April 1, 2022.- The MEAM, which promotes and disseminates figurative art of the 20th and 21st centuries, presents “Si volse a Retro”, the first joint exhibition by the Spaniard Jordi Díaz Alamà and the Polish Grzegorz Gwiazda. The sample is made up of 63 works; 54 paintings by Jordi Díaz and 9 sculptures by Grzegorz Gwiazda, and is part of the celebration of the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, paying homage to his most famous work, the Divine Comedy. In this exhibition, the works that are part of this exhibition project created by the Catalan painter in collaboration with the Polish sculptor are presented in a concrete and detailed way.
The epic poem tells the story of a vision of a journey in which Dante, transported to the supernatural world of medieval theology, contemplates the torments of the damned in Hell, the purification of souls in Purgatory, and the joys of the Just. in Paradise. The “Si Volse a Retro” series focuses on the different scenes of Hell, pictorially materializing Dante's most impressive imagery. Each song is represented by a large-format painting (mixed technique on canvas). However, Alamà distances himself from explicit narration, notably exploring abstract and experimental resources to capture and sublimate the infernal landscape and the terrible torments of sinful souls. To the representation of the songs will be added the sculptures of the Polish artist Grzegorz Gwiazda and complementary material consisting of portraits of characters and creatures painted by Alamà that will help enrich his vision and interpretation of Dante's Inferno.
Alamà first approached the Divine Comedy in his youth during his pictorial training in the city of Florence. On the way from home to the Academy where he was training artistically, he crossed the Piazza Santa Croce every day for three years, presided over by the sculpture of Dante (1865), the work of Enrico Pazzi.
Reading Dante's work buried in him the seed of restlessness. He felt that when the time came, he should try to render those pages into images with his own brushes, with his own character and vision.
After years of creative career and continuous training, Alamà decided in 2018 that the time had come to start a performance with his own voice. The execution of “Si Volse a Retro” was one of enormous conceptual and compositional complexity, one of the artist's greatest creative challenges. The plurality of settings, the huge number of characters and imaginary beasts together with the variety of atmospheres represented a challenge: the painter wanted to capture a fantastic world, but at the same time believable, capable of questioning the contemporary public.
Gwiazda joined the project soon after. Both shared the desire to collaborate artistically and the project was perfect for that purpose. As a result of this collaboration, an artistic conjunction was born that marks a special moment in the Gwiazda and Alamà races. With this joint exercise they immerse the viewer in a torrent of creative energy of the first order.
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AMINA KODUKLARIM PAGAN AY?N? NEZAMAN SANAT OLDU
B?R TÜRK GELD? SANATINIZI S?KT? G?TT?.
The American artist inaugurates at the MEAM 'A Tour de Force', his first anthology in a museum.
The European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), in the Gòtic district of Barcelona, premieres 'A Tour de Force' by Shane Wolf (Cincinnati, 1976), the first anthological exhibition of the American artist and resident of Paris in a museum. It brings together 187 works of Renaissance style, although modern and very personal, with the human body and male and female nudes as the main theme.
The exhibition, which can be visited until March 27, highlights the process of creation of the works, which are exhibited accompanied by sketches and versions.
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The European Museum of Modern Art exhibits a monograph by American artist Shane Wolf. Awarded several prizes in France, where he has lived for a long time, he is one more exponent of the figurative art that defends the museum of Calle de la Barra de Hierro. And, more specifically, the human figure. Shane, who studied in Florence for his fascination with Renaissance art, is an admirer of classical academicism and its maxim of beauty and balance.
The Arts & Artists Foundation has appointed Jose Enrique González as the new director of the MEAM. With extensive experience both in the cultural field and in the international figurative art scene, he in turn will assume the position of president of the Private Foundation of Arts and Artistes. In this way, he replaces the former director Jose Manuel Infiesta (1949 - 2021) who has worked with Jose Enrique González in recent months to ensure a good transition and has announced that he will undertake new professional challenges.
Jose Enrique González, born in Zaragoza (1961), is a painter, editor and gallery owner. He currently directs the Artelibre Virtual Gallery that he founded in 1999 as a cultural entity whose main purpose is to make the world of figurative art known in its entirety. He annually organizes the modern portrait contest ModPortrait and directs the Artelibre Classical Drawing and Painting Studio in the city of Zaragoza.
The BAA is very proud to announce we are opening a new Academy right in the center of Barcelona from next Fall Term 2021!?
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After these challenging times for everyone, full of uncertainty and concerns, we're determined to keep offering the best academic art education to students from around the world. ?
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Now more than ever we would like to thank the BAA community: past, present, and future students, the faculty, and the staff for their efforts and support?
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We're looking forward to showing you our new space very soon! Stay tuned!
The MEAM exhibits the work of the Italian artist Roberto Ferri, the "Modern Caravaggio" The European Museum of Modern Art (Meam) dedicates an exhibition to the Italian artist Roberto Ferri, the "Modern Caravaggio", which was inaugurated this Friday and can be seen until October 3, it has informed in a statement.
Leer más: https://www.europapress.es/catalunya/noticia-meam-expone-obra-artista-italiano-roberto-ferri-caravaggio-moderno-20210618143947.html
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Considered the "Modern Caravaggio", the Italian painter Roberto Ferri lands for the first time in Spain with an exhibition of forty works, highly influenced by the Baroque and with surrealist touches, at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona.
The artist, from whom the Vatican commissioned two portraits of Pope Francis, recalled, in an interview with Efe, that it all began when, when he was very young, he was fascinated by the illustrations that were in his grandfather's encyclopedia of some of the works by Caravaggio.
Born in 1978 in the town of Taranto, in southern Italy, he was self-taught in the beginning, until in 1999 he moved to Rome to deepen his research on ancient painting, from the beginning of the 16th century to the end of the 19th century. , although today he has asserted that another of his influences is Salvador Dalí.
He also has not ignored that he has marked the painting of Romanticism, Academicism, especially David, Ingres or Girodet, and Symbolism.
In his studio on the outskirts of Rome, he uses traditional pigments and continues with the old techniques of creating colors as in the Baroque, being able to dedicate more than five years to the creation of his works, such as a "San Giovanni", which is exhibited in Barcelona and for which he was inspired by the paintings of the Sistine Chapel.
At the MEAM and until next October 3, a total of 46 works are exhibited, of which thirty are paintings and there are sixteen drawings, where the main characters, mostly, are heroic characters, some in full redemption, although angels also appear- vampires as symbols of impurity.
The artist explores the female and male nude with "dreamlike elements that address dreams, the profane, spirituality and mythology."
Ferri comments that one of his great canvases, "Resurrezione", finished it just before the coronavirus pandemic was declared. "But - he adds -, it could seem the opposite because with the work I represent the man in fight with the demons of his, at the same time I want to give him courage, something that we have needed a lot in recent times".
In addition to the human figure with perfect anatomy, the public who come to the MEAM will be able to discover that in these pictorial pieces there are other elements such as the olive trunks - very characteristic of their native land - as well as utensils and tools that refer to surgical instruments from ago a few centuries.
With work in private collections in Italy, Great Britain, the United States, Spain or Qatar, his work could also be seen in the controversial Italian pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale.
In addition, he has recounted how he made the two portraits that hang on the walls of the Vatican of Pope Francis.
Roberto Ferri pointed out, amused, that when the works were commissioned he asked to have the pontiff as a model, but they replied that that would not be possible and that he should capture the portraits of him from photographs.
On the one hand, he made a painting in which the Pope appears in full length and he made another that is a bust, which is on one wall of one of the rooms where meetings between Francis and the cardinals are held. "The painting is right above the chair occupied by the Pope, who liked both works," he specified.
Asked about the future, Ferri said that, as with all painters, it will "evolve" and adds: "But I will continue with this same style, because it is the one that represents and identifies me, with which I express myself best. I will not dedicate myself to the abstract. "
Regarding being considered the "Caravaggio of the XXI century", he has recognized that his point of reference is the Lombard, but has pointed out that it is not he who defines himself in these terms, "in any case - he jokes - it would be like a Caravaggio 2.0 ".
Exhibition of the finalist works of the VIII Edition of the ModPortrait 2020 Contest convened by the virtual gallery Artelibre, being the first international figurative painting contest exclusively dedicated to portraiture and one of the most prominent of contemporary figurative art in collaboration with the MEAM.
Next Monday, March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day, the MEAM will once again claim the importance of women in the world of contemporary art and culture, through the exhibition «Women Painting (All over the world)»
The show includes 87 works, between painting and drawing, by more than 78 women artists of various origins from 25 different nationalities, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Norway, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Holland, Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela or Chile, among others.
