Engulfment (Nacional 2), 2016

Javier Rey   Emerging artists

The first encounter I had with the abyss was to arrive at a place that does not exist, a point suspended in time where I am without being. An unreal world is developing before me, everything here is devoid of identity; it is a void with volumes and textures in which I pass. The abyss is not aggressive, it is not violent and it is not tangible, but it exists: "Is the abyss nothing more than an opportune annihilation?" It would not be difficult for me to read the abyss, not as a rest, but as an emotion. I hide my mourning with an escape, I dilute myself, I faint to escape this density, this clogging which makes me a responsible subject. I go out: it is ecstasy.

This intriguing artwork presents a striking visual of a seemingly desolate concrete expanse disrupted by a mysterious human presence. A partially exposed figure, emerging from a worn and jagged cavity, draws immediate focus. The raw and earthy tones of the concrete sharply contrast with the human form, emphasizing vulnerability against the stark industrial backdrop. The positioning of the arm, reaching out from the debris, evokes a sense of struggle or emergence, hinting at themes of confinement and liberation. The composition’s minimalism enhances the sense of isolation and allows the viewer to ponder the narrative behind the solitary figure. The artist skillfully plays with themes of decay and reconstruction, inviting reflection on humanity’s resilience amidst the harshness of urban landscapes.

More sizes and Editions: 60 x 40 cm. Edition of 7 110 x 73 cm. Edition of 2 Unframed