Expressive Artistry of Amparo Viau: Heart in Chalk, Movement, and Hue
In a fresh approach, Amparo Viau's mesmerizing artworks ignite a spark in the soul, clashing with bold hues that cascade like a vibrant altarpiece, unfolding before your eyes at the Grasa Gallery's latest headquarters in Retiro.
Catch the hype: George Clooney, "Buena Vista Social Club" and Sarah Snook, potential Tony Award nominees The unique exhibition, masterfully curated by Joaquín Rodríguez, weaves together various pieces in a free-flowing tapestry, with no single work taking precedence over the others. The triptych at the back creates a sinister sense of entrapment upon entering, while the arrangement cleverly explores the relationship between the whole and its parts.
Viau's grand vision, as she reveals, was originally intended to create a massive piece of approximately 40 meters in length, yet it proved impractical given the gallery's space. Together with curator Joaquín Rodríguez, they discussed the theatrical, the scenographic, and the potential for generating dialogue from a great landscape.
Take a peek at: The epic saga of "El Eternauta" is set for a second season In the imagination of polychromatic Viau (Adrogué, Buenos Aires, 1991), historical references in art, blended with an aesthetic that plays with a renaissance-influenced imaginary and a strong connection through anamorphosis, emerge. Her works feature weightless, captivating human forms, frequently appearing choreographic yet static, existing side-by-side with the animalistic, surreal, and references to tatorism, always punctuated by lines and striking gestures.
Viau's drawings evoke the strongest senses, with planes in space layered in a stained-glass manner. The illusion of varying scales and depths is created through her diverse and saturated palette. At the same time, both the central figures and the background often contribute to the movement and pulsating energy of her artworks, creating dreamlike microcosms of striking beauty.
Curious about: What if AI is simply a "sophisticated Word corrector"? An intriguing aspect of many of Viau's works is the visible colors of the support upon which she draws. In some instances, the initial color tests can be observed, while in others, the distinctive stains left by the materials and workshop process are embraced. As a request from curator Joaquín Rodríguez, Viau decided to cut along the edges, initially hesitant due to concerns that it might appear messy. However, she later realized that this imperfection added a certain charm and sensitivity to the piece.
Viau stormed onto the art scene just a few years ago, capturing the artyba Prize for the Work of the 2022 edition, a moment that revolutionized her life in every possible way. Before that, she juggled random jobs to make ends meet, just enough for bills and groceries. Post-artyba, her hardworking friends encouraged her to take her art career to new heights, granting her the freedom to dedicate herself solely to her own work.
At that time, Viau was producing countless pencil drawings on half black and white paper, adding some details with chalk or pastel. She later transitioned to acrylic paintings but found herself still experimenting and uncertain about her path, as she was not represented by a gallery. Exhausting her art supplies, she was left with only chalk, which eventually became her choice instrument.
In the exhibition, an adjacent room presents her first sculpture in Viau's unique style, crafted using the Japanese technique yakisugi, which consists of burning wood to improve its durability. The exhibition creates an eerie atmosphere with ethereal objects hovering in the space.
"Creating a sketch was like entering a whole new and fascinating world," she said.
Join Cultura on a tour of "The Heart of What Exists," where we discuss Viau's creative processes, color usage, and collaboration with live models, among other topics:
- Your works are bold, never "tame," how do you craft the use of color?
- I'm not preoccupied with warmth. Color emerges for me when the work is almost complete, as it's the part that gives me the least trouble and offers me the most joy. The most complex aspect for me is composing the scenes, the bodies of the human figure derived from the live model, to generate a scene that conveys a message. When the color phase begins, a sense of relief washes over me, as it's almost like a finishing touch that brings a lighter, cheerier feel. I find it very difficult to conceive that a color could be incorrect, I often feel that it's impossible, and there's also a sense of fear surrounding color.
- Is this something you sense in your peers or more generally?
- Yes, it's a question that comes up constantly. I understand it's also an impact due to the size.
- Does size also have an influence on your perception of color?
- Indeed. I started recognizing this as I exhibited my work more, as people often inquire about the size. I've become more aware of it, yet I don't have a clear relationship with color. However, I think there's something significant, which is that I grew up surrounded by color. No one ever told me that one color next to another might be too much, like there's a limit to it.
- And why do you attribute this to your childhood home? How was it?
- My parents' house in the southern zone was almost like a stage set. There's so much color in the garden, nooks with various objects that create a harmonious atmosphere. That's why I think I've grown accustomed to it and I have a deep love for color.
- We were discussing your origin with chalk, which offers a certain purity, do you feel it assists in the development of your drawing, perhaps offering another texture unachievable with other materials?
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- Viau's artworks, reminiscent of a vibrant altarpiece, ignite a sparkling conversation in the soul, with bold hues that cascade in a free-flowing tapestry at the Grasa Gallery's latest headquarters.
- In the imagination of polychromatic Viau, various aspects of culture, such as historical references in art, are blended with an aesthetic that plays with a renaissance-influenced imaginary and a strong connection through anamorphosis.
- An intriguing aspect of many of Viau's works is the visible colors of the support upon which she draws, often showcasing initial color tests or the distinctive stains left by the materials and workshop process.
- In the lifestyle section, we discuss Amparo Viau's creative processes, her use of color, and how growing up in a home filled with vibrant colors influenced her bold approach to interior-design and fashion-and-beauty.
- The exhibition creates an eerie atmosphere with ethereal objects defying gravity, reminiscent of home-and-garden ornaments for a captivating and thought-provoking display.
