Trasfondo

Galeria Max Estrella
Madrid
2010

The fourth exhibition of Pedro Calapez at Max Estrella Gallery in Madrid will present recent paintings in acrylic on aluminium and paintings on cardboard. Background can mean which is or seems to be beyond the visible back of something, either behind the appearance or the intention of an action. In Calapez paintings a disturbing background can be noticed, resulting from his ways of practicing painting and his continuous seduction for what disturbs his eyes.

In the recent works by Pedro Calapez there is a dialogue between abstract painting and the outline of the work itself, as the panel’s twisted lines interact with the thick colours on the painted surface. The system that Calapez sometimes follows, involving grouping painted aluminium panels together, causes a disaggregation shown by the fragmenting of the work, but the tension that arises through its display creates a movement possessing unexpected direction and unbalanced balance.

Sometimes the painted surface reminds us of horizons, spaces and depths, challenging ideas about landscape or the problematic of representation. The panel shapes express different types of references, such as the heraldic, and the titles of the works refer to forms, processes or objects associated with visual memories. Beyond being abstract painting, these works question or expand established concepts, transferring Alberti’s window onto a different level.
Max Estrella press release