Perhaps this last part is the best, I don't know, but for some reason, I saved my favorite works for this moment. This is the third part of an exhibition with a lot of impact and a lot of blood, although there are many other very good works.
This magnificent art exhibition I attended some time ago is generically titled “With the Heart in Hand, Anatomy and Judgment,” although there are several artists featured in this brilliant display of varied art. The customs house has a room on the ground floor dedicated to temporary art exhibitions, and this one has been, personally, very impressive. Remember last time, I brought works made with the artist's blood, and this part is no different.
On the second floor, there is a very famous historical painting of a doctor holding a woman's heart in his hand after performing an autopsy. This is the painting that gives the entire exhibition its name because of its great significance. But I won't get ahead of myself, as I will discuss this topic at the end.
Honestly, I am always immensely grateful to life and this city that allows me to enjoy exquisite, varied, and high-quality art, which makes me love going to these places more and more every day. I enjoy it very much, and that is why I want to share it with all of you.
“Meditations on Death and Beauty” – Javier Garcerá – Acrylic tempera on silk and books.
I really liked these works, which are so exceptional in their style and all done in blood red, especially because they are painted on fabric such as silk, a technique I have never tried yet, and on books. Very interesting, because the artist sees a beauty in death that people don't usually see.
Of the four paintings, the one that strikes me the most is the one with the portrait frames. If you look closely, some of them are turned upside down, as if denying something. The whole scene made me think of a horror movie.
“Anatomy for a Window” – Contia G. Reyes – Polyester resin
I clearly see a window, made with a material that is widely used today, especially in 3D printing.
“Saber de oído” (Knowing by Ear) – Cristina Mejías – Marquetry in oak, tanganyika, sycamore, stained wood, pastel on wood, reverse side in rosewood, zebrawood, and stained wood.
I always enjoy seeing works made of wood, especially when they combine several types of wood for their colors and textures. As for the title of the work, I'm not sure what to think. The artist must have had his reasons for choosing it, but the truth is that wood transmits sounds, and I thought of the creaking of wood.
“It Hurt” - Jesús Zurita - Acrylic on canvas
This is my favorite piece in the entire exhibition and above all the other works there. It was like an attraction to see this image. The guide was next to me and assured me that, although it wasn't written on the sign, the artist had used real blood in the work.
Even if he hadn't, with the tone and texture achieved, I would say it is blood. This work is very powerful. I don't know what you will see, but the work is titled “It hurt.” There is flesh, a lot of blood, and torn human tissue. I think the more I looked at the work, the more it fascinated and hurt me. I could feel what the artist felt. The white part is not a bone; bones are not pure white. The guide saw an IUD there; draw your own conclusions. But the intensity and pain are there, and the artist was able to convey pure emotions through the canvas.
I really liked getting as close as possible so you could see the details. It's shocking; it really looks like blood and human flesh from a woman's uterus. I would love to hear your opinion on this, I like to know what others see. In addition, the painting is of extremely high quality.
“With Head in Hand III. Knots Series” – Mar García Ranedo – Indian ink and post-its on paper.
At first glance and from a distance, I saw hair, but as I got closer, I still saw hair. The realism achieved with Indian ink is incredible. I have painted with Indian ink and I can tell you that it is difficult to achieve that effect. A very good work.
“Mandala (white)” – Pilar Albarracín - Mixed media
Look closely at how this mandala is made, with women's underwear. Very creative.
“And He Was Right” – Elo Vega – Red thread embroidery on printed French cotton sackcloth
This is the first work in the exhibition that alludes to what I mentioned at the beginning.
“Winner” – Paco Pomet - Oil on canvas
“They Have Heart” - Paco Pomet – Charcoal and pastel pencil on paper
“V.T.” – Abraham Lacalle, VETA gallery - Oil on canvas
Both works have the same title and are by the same artist, with a great burst of color in both.
“Untitled” – Santiago Ydáñez – Acrylic on canvas
This is the second work I saw that alludes to the first one I mentioned. It is done in black and white, which gives it a particular style. It is a typical example of how the human body was beginning to be understood through autopsies.
“...and it had a heart!” - Santiago Ydáñez, DKV Collection - Acrylic on canvas
This is the great work I mentioned at the beginning of my post, and I'm leaving it for last because it's so amazing. This painting, along with the one about pain, are my favorites because of their intensity and emotion.
This work is a replica of the historical work found in the museum. The style is somewhat different, but the idea is the same: a doctor holding the heart of a dead woman, a dancer. It can have two meanings: the study of human anatomy or judgment. Remember that the heart has been used in many cultures as a symbol of a person's inner self to judge their death.
Next to the work was a screen showing a video that gave me goosebumps. A real dancer danced around the original painting, like the soul of the dancer leaving her body to say goodbye. I assure you that it is powerful to see.
I think I always say something similar, but it was a great exhibition of art that touches the heart, and the techniques used are absolutely wonderful. I have seen a lot of art, but we are made of blood that runs through our insides, and this exhibition is impactful.
Thank you very much for joining me today. I wish you a very good Sunday. See you soon, Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
