Clausen, 2022

Rodrigo Spinel  

From The Series Terms and Conditions. Chinese ink on Fabriano paper 250 g. Tinted Popped wood Frame. 

The project is based on the contrast of the two images, the air waybill and the postage stamp, from different times but similar in their function. The artist seeks to enlighten the change in the use of the image, to reflect on how some languages disappear due to globalization and new ones emerge with unified visual parameters. Formerly the stamps told stories from a country, a place through their image, nowadays the air waybill is a contract with terms and conditions. Images from different times are presented, to display the evolution of the technique and the themes that were used. The artist finds in drawing a way to explore the relevance of detail in the construction of images, objects, and spaces. The repetition of tiny elements such as the line in a drawing leads to the construction of complex universes where that detail acquires value and becomes the basic unit, like the brick in a wall. The gesture of the repetition of small elements and the time invested in doing it is used as a tool to give "value" to the images that are constructed.This artwork is a striking mixed-media collage, showcasing a vintage Colombian beer label, "Clausen Export," prominently featured at its center. The label is adorned with rich gold and maroon hues, exuding a retro charm that evokes a sense of nostalgic allure. The composition is intricately layered over an open book, whose visible text pages add depth and texture, suggesting a narrative quality and intellectual engagement. A distinct postal element is incorporated, with the inclusion of an "AEREO" stamp, hinting at a theme of travel or communication. The artwork is framed in a rustic wooden border, providing a grounded, authentic feel that contrasts with the vintage elements. This juxtaposition of cultural iconography and historical motifs invites viewers to reflect on themes of globalization and the fusion of artistic and commercial imagery, making it both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating.