RAÍCES by Elena Gual at Parque del Retiro

Arma Gallery

11 days left

RAÍCES by Elena Gual at Parque del Retiro

Arma Gallery

11 days left

The exhibition "Raíces" by Elena Gual is a profound journey into the heart of Andalusia, where the artist explores her cultural and personal heritage through a series of impactful works. Presented at Casa de Vacas, an iconic space in Madrid’s Retiro Park, this exhibition offers a contemporary perspective on Andalusian traditions, fusing the past with the present.
Each piece in "Raíces" is a testament to Elena’s deep connection to her Andalusian roots. Her distinctive palette knife technique breathes life into every canvas, capturing the vibrant essence of the region. In addition to her portraits, Gual incorporates cultural symbols like mantones, flowers, and peinetas, representing the strength and beauty of Andalusian women. These elements do more than adorn her works—they are deeply embedded in the visual narrative of the exhibition, underscoring how ancient traditions can remain relevant and powerful today.
Family plays a central role in this exhibition, as Elena explores the importance of familial ties and their fundamental role in shaping her identity. Through her work, the traditions and values passed down through generations are brought to life. Elements like mantones and family customs are transformed into symbols that offer the viewer an intimate glimpse into the traditions that define the artist.
"Tía Laura" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 161 x 130 cm
"Raíces" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 100 x 160 cm
Detail: "Custodia" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 162 x 195 cm
Detail: "La Tana"
Femininity is portrayed through the subtlety and sophistication of female figures, revealing their details and temperaments. In this selection, elegance is a constant theme, unfolding through color and presence, allowing the viewer to reflect on the strength and mystery inherent in the female form in Gual’s art.
"Generalife" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 195 x 130 cm
"Abcisión" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 100 x 120 cm
Detail: "Abcisión"
"Sabor" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 100 x 120 cm
A fundamental part of Sevillian culture, dance becomes a vehicle for expressing the energy and passion it embodies. Elena captures the dynamism of flamenco, freezing movement at its peak of tension and grace. Her brushstrokes suggest a balance between the stillness of oil and the vibrant energy of Andalusian dance, offering a unique vision of rhythm and emotion.
Detail: "Presagio" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 50 x 60 cm
"Espina de pasión" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 114 x 146 cm
Elena captures the emotional intensity of Andalusian culture, where passions are lived with unmatched force. Her works explore the melancholy of disappearing traditions and the pride of a cultural legacy carried deep in the heart. The colors and textures evoke the warmth of the South and the flamenco heritage, offering sincere and vibrant portraits of a land that experiences every emotion to the fullest.
"La Portada" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 100 x 190 cm
"La barca de la Florida" 2024. Oil & acrylic on canvas. 100 x 120 cm
Detail: "La barca de la Florida"
The "Raíces" exhibition by artist Elena Gual will be on view at Casa de Vacas, located in Retiro Park, Madrid, from October 4 to October 27, 2024. For more information: contact Arma Gallery at [email protected] or visit the gallery at C. de Valverde, 30, Entreplanta derecha, 28004, Madrid, Spain.
CURATORIAL TEXT BY FERNANDO CASTRO FLÓREZ ( SPANISH VERSION) AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.ARMAGALLERY.COM