2018-02-21—2018-03-03
Press
Dublin Inquirer, An Artist Captures the Travels of Alexander von Humboldt
Preview: 6–8pm Wednesday 21st February 2018
Continues: 12–6pm Thurs 22nd–Sat 24th February 2018
Exhibition extended: extra week continues 12–6pm Thurs 1st–Sat 3rd March (by appointment only, please email to arrange)
Oscar Fouz López's most recent work is influenced by the life of Alexander von Humboldt, an 18th Century German scientist, geographer and explorer. Humboldt traveled the world, visiting countries as diverse as the U.S., Peru and Russia, observing and describing their landscapes, and scientifically analyzing nature.
López's interest in this character was sparked by him being the first scientist both to see nature as an interconnected living organism and to identify climate change. Humboldt's story is told visually through the paintings, and his world view is reflected within the natural backdrops and deeper perspectives gained from using elements of landscape.
The work focuses in on events from the explorer's life and discoveries, simultaneously asking questions around Capitalism, alienation from the spiritual, and transformation. The characters in the paintings dwell outdoors surrounded by trees, strange plants, animals and unnamed tribes as if they were being swallowed up by a vast and mysterious living organism, and where the laws of nature are being rewritten.
Oscar Fouz López has had his work featured in group exhibitions such as Winter Open (2016) in Rua Red, Dublin, Insider Art (2016) in MCE, Belfast, and participated in the 187th Annual Show (2017) at the Royal Hibernian Academy. He graduated with a BA in Fine Art from D.I.T. in 2010 and was shortlisted for the Most Promising Graduate Award at the Talbot Gallery the same year. Oscar also holds an MFA in Painting from NCAD (2016). His work is held in both public and private collections including the Office of Public Works and the Trinity College Art Collection.
Opening event: KAGE BUTOH, a Dublin-based Butoh jam group, will be performing at 6.30pm. The 20 minute piece, Cosmosism, is inspired by Humboldt's concept of interconnectedness and takes impulses from Lopez's artwork.
Website: www.oscarfouzlopez.com
Photography: Installation view images ©David Lunney, 2018. The rest of images courtesy of the artist.
