Bernardo Torrens "Beneath the Surface"
Bernarducci Meisel Gallery
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Hailing from Madrid, Torrens is a master figure painter, securely positioned in the tradition of Spanish realism from the seventeenth century to the present. He is virtuoso of his medium, acrylic paint, achieving nuances of tone and surface texture that are utterly remarkable. Before turning to painting in 1980, Torrens had all but completed a degree in medicine. His command of anatomy, physiognomy, and psychology as a result of that experience translates into a perfect artistic alchemy where chemistry, matter and spirit are joined. The duality of the black and white, the predominant colors in his work, offers timelessness to his paintings which color can often hinder. The use of cloth wraps around the head such as depicted in Lourdes XVII is used to prevent the dating of the figure, a tool often utilized by Torrens. He is able to create classical images and portraits with a sculpture-like smoothness and artistic fluidity. Through his use of captivating and unexpected gestures, Torrens' compositions demand attention. With direct gazes, Helena II and Katey I draw the viewer into a direct artistic dialogue, whereas Liz I is more enigmatic in the sense that her arms are crossed and head turned away from the viewer. Torrens' figures activate the space around them and with little or no surroundings, initiate an intimate interaction between themselves and the viewer. For example, in Laura II the tension of her torso and circuitous arms creates strong movement within the frame, yet still materializes as a refined and elegant study of the female form.
[Image: Bernardo Torrens "Kitchen Sculion" (2006-07) acrylic on panel 71 x 39.5 in.]
Media
Schedule
from October 01, 2009 to October 31, 2009