Art lovers living or visiting Dubai will get the chance to catch Manu Algueró’s solo exhibition at Oblong Contemporary Art Gallery on the Blue Waters Island. Titled “The Art of Explosion,” the electrifying artworks by the Spanish artist, known for paintings that express the beauty of change and new perspectives, will be on display from January 14 to March 7.
“His art is particularly significant in this period of great change and chaos. The world has almost undergone an explosion of the normal values and traditional dynamics,” Paola Marucci, Co-Founder of Oblong Gallery, said while commenting on his work.
Exhibition goers will get the opportunity to study a selection of 11 abstract paintings. With echoes of American abstract expressionism, Algueró’s immense canvases draw attention thanks to an interplay of matter, colour and the Barcelona-born artist’s gesture in search of visual impact. The recipient of multiple art fair accolades in Tokyo, Oxford and Amsterdam uses an abundance of paint to create multiple textures and shades, applying it with a spontaneity that is often subsequently scrutinised and modified. In addition to their technical vigour, Algueró’s artworks highlight his interest in the study of the human face, which is suggested by his highly dramatic unfinished figures.
“Just one day, when I decided to take large canvases and a lot of paint, it happened naturally, and that was when I began to dig into the material and began to explore how to capture my energy on the canvas, how to embody my mood in a sincere way,” Algueró explained.
About Manu Algueró
Always destined to be an artist, Manu Algueró studied at the Art Academy Mataro before he went on to study Graphic Design in IDEP, Barcelona and Art & Fashion in Central Saint Martins, London. He knew the best way to learn was to explore different cultures and interact with the experts in his field. Algueró loved making sketches and exploring his passion, and he yearned to be part of the artistic world. He also knew he had to find a style that was unique, something that would make him stand out, which propelled him to find his true calling.
Explosions have riveted Algueró since he was a very young boy due to the celebratory atmosphere fireworks create. And once adulthood struck, Algueró pursued his interest and began exploring the concept of the Big Bang. While experimenting, he truly enjoyed the process of painting explosions and felt satisfied with the results. Algueró tested the use of metallic paint and fireworks before combining plastic paint with a bigger firework. Discovering this compatible combination for self-expression has allowed him to reflect his moods in his paintings.
Another inspiration behind his explosive art is the Algueró family business, which involves the demolition of buildings. While most people don’t feel destruction is a positive thing, Algueró believes one can only build something new after the old has been brought down.
Algueró’s art is in permanent collection at two Barcelona museums, Museo Can Framis and Museo Art Contemporani Espais Volart, as well as Girona’s Museo Can Mario and Museo Palau Solterra and Morocco’s Assilah Museum.
