Andrés Waissman: Layers of Memory | St Barth

November 19 - December 28, 2012 This winter, Space SBH presents an exhibition of work by Argentinian artist Andrés Waissman. The exhibition showcases Waissman’s wholly contemporary black and white abstract paintings. Sumptuous thick black enamel and acrylic interplay and erupt onto the canvas. All at once there is an exchange of energetic brush strokes whilst simultaneously a stillness which collides in these beautiful monochrome pieces. There is a tension and a harmony between these mediums. In the words of critic Daniela Gutierrez these paintings are “pure action”. In places the works verge on the representational – forms appear and familiar shapes emerge – at times you think you can make out a shape or creature which then disappears again into the canvas. There are layers of memory here – as Waissman continues his social and political dialogue in this new body of work – preoccupied as always with issues which are universal but also have a personal resonance. The canvas is a map of this territory of the past, the people who live there, the experiences and struggles of the individual in society; what is to come, urbanization and an increasingly globalised society. But these canvases also suggest an unquantifiable landscape exploring themes of exodus and migration and identity – layers built up from a lifetime of experiences. The paintings represent a kind of beautiful chaos – and one which is compelling. We lose ourselves in the paintings. There is order and disorder all at once. In Waissman’s own words: “The idea of expansion and movement seen in these works somehow reflects something broader, the political dynamics of the world, a tension of forces and powers in which certain developments occur and interact, at the expense of other constraints.” The narrative of Waissman’s work is an important visual social comment on Latin America, its culture and its evolution. Waissman is arguably the definitive and quintessential Latin American artist - a contemporary master whose dialogue continues in this elegant and powerful series of work. Opening cocktail in the presence of the artist on Friday 23rd November from 6pm. Private viewing by appointment. For all enquiries please contact info@spacesbh.com

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