Untitled 4 From La materialidad del tiempo Series, 2024

Juan Carlos Amador  

La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and '90s-originally designed for framing artworks-Amador transforms objects tied to the past into modular sculptural forms. These materials carry their own histories, inviting viewers to look beyond surface aesthetics and consider the temporal layers embedded within them. Drawing from the long tradition of artists who challenge the function of the frame, Amador reimagines it as a sculptural element rather than a boundary. His totemic constructions honor the inherent properties of the wood while referencing modernist efforts to break from convention. The absence of frames in the accompanying drawings echoes this gesture, positioning the entire exhibition as an exploration of memory, material, and the passage of time. Amador paintings feature a color palette that is a direct reflection of his surroundings. Growing up amidst the beaches and mountains of Puerto Rico, he draws primary inspiration from these places, which hold a lifetime of memories and experiences for him. The transparent waters, palm trees, and flowers from his upbringing are translated into vibrant, colorful paintings. The artist believes that art can shape emotions, and through his work, he aims to provoke a sense of joy. Amador enjoys exploring various mediums in his work. He has developed diverse styles, from abstract depictions to collages made from leftover painting materials. From La Materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series Oil crayon on paper