Into Abstraction

‘Into Abstraction’ is a solo exhibition I planned, designed and developed in April 2023 at the Parker Art Gallery, a space by Stayingvalencia. The show acts as a transition from the real world (or, the outside world), into one of abstraction, as symbolized when entering the space by literally crossing through the entrance’s abstract mural.

Location: Valencia, Spain • Partners: Stayingvalencia
Photos by Alex Baker

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors were met by a series of four paintings whose compositions each revolve around an elongated triangular form. This form was originally inspired by a late-afternoon aerial view of a field outside of Valencia, whereby the sun created striped shadows along the field’s, starting thin on one end then gradually becoming thicker on the other. I used this shape as the basis for a variety of visual experiments, playing with repetition, negative space and grids to create a wide range of compositions and visual effects.

In the main space, the artworks are tied together with variations on base designs that emulate movement and dynamism. Using subtle changes in the linework of each piece, each showcases a different feeling and impact.

The protagonist of the exhibition is ‘Edge and Flow’, a large fabric wall hanging. Made of felt and cotton, the textile medium’s softer nature adds an additional layer of movement to the dynamic pattern thanks to its folds and the ways in which they interact with the overheard light.

In the final corner of the exhibition, photographs of murals I’ve painted locally can be found, adorned with hand-painted frames. Paired with a tag sharing the exact address of each mural, these prints encourage folks to continue their journey ‘Into Abstraction’ beyond the confines of the exhibition, and back out into the real world.