Descripción de la Exposición
Gallery Rosenfeld is thrilled to unveil the latest works by the Spanish artist, Enrique Brinkmann. At 85 years old, Brinkmann is producing some of the most vital and energising works of his career, characterised by a lush palette often applied directly onto the canvas with a spatula.
For over 60 years, Brinkmann has continuously defied expectations and reinvented his artistic approach. His journey began in the late 1950s under Franco's regime in Spain, a period when his palette was restricted to black and white. It wasn't until 1975, following Franco's relinquishment of power, that Brinkmann could embrace the full spectrum of colour.
The subsequent 15 years saw Brinkmann create an extraordinarily rich body of surrealist-inspired paintings, bursting with invention and vivid hues. Despite the commercial success of these works, Brinkmann’s relentless quest for self-reinvention led him to a new phase, returning to black and white but this time with a minimalist, abstract approach. His innovative spirit drove him to experiment with unconventional surfaces, leading to his signature technique of painting on metal mesh. This method allowed light to penetrate through the holes, creating a dynamic interplay of shadow and illumination.
From 1998 to 2006, Brinkmann maximized the transparency of the mesh with minimalistic gestures, before discovering the sculptural potential of painting on both sides of the mesh, and hanging his paintings at a distance from the wall. This period marked a significant evolution in his oeuvre, blending two-dimensional and threedimensional elements seamlessly.
The return to colour, however, was too tempting and the artist, fascinated by archeology, began a new series of works entitled ‘Cambrico’ which refers to the first period of the Palaeozoic era. When one looks at the painting’s surface, it’s as if buried within the paint.
In 2014, Brinkmann shifted away from the mesh to focus on drawing, elevating his line work to grander, more epic proportions without losing the exquisite precision that defines his style. Today, Brinkmann embarks on yet another artistic journey. His current works are rigorously abstract, showcasing a newfound richness of colour applied directly with a scalpel. These pieces embody a three-dimensional sculptural quality, pulsating with the energy and dynamism akin to an artist half his age.
Much like his fellow Malagueño, Picasso, Brinkmann's later works are vibrant and full of life. Visitors to Gallery Rosenfeld will have the unique opportunity to explore the recently published three-volume catalogue raisonné, documenting Brinkmann’s extensive and varied career.
Throughout the gallery's long-standing relationship with the artist, Brinkmann has consistently surprised and inspired with each visit to his studio. He is a visual poet, unwavering in his dedication to his own artistic vision and refreshingly indifferent to the pressures of the art world. His oeuvre invites endless exploration and, though challenging to fully grasp, it stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and integrity.
Exposición. 31 oct de 2024 - 09 feb de 2025 / Artium - Centro Museo Vasco de Arte Contemporáneo / Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, España
Formación. 07 nov de 2024 - 28 nov de 2024 / Museo Nacional del Prado / Madrid, España
