Behind the dreams of a symbol

Behind the dreams of a symbol

A symbol is a sensitive and nonverbal representation of a complex idea, and that results from a process of assimilation and synthesis of that idea in a culture. The word originates from the Latin term simbŏlum, and it comes from the Greek σύμβολον (symbolon). It is formed from the root without, which means ‘with’, ‘together’ or ‘united’, and ballein, which means ‘launch’. Therefore, in an etymological sense, a symbol is that which is thrown to unite.

The symbols have the function of transmitting complex or abstract ideas, whose density is difficult to summarize in everyday language. They do not explain the concepts as language does, but they allow those concepts to be communicable and understandable by exposing both the unconscious and the subconscious.

Therefore, the symbols allow mediating between the visible and the invisible, the concrete and the abstract. That is why the image of a ship that at first glance seems common, can instead mean a whole passage and a dream building typical of dreams, or even nightmares. Contraband (2018), or his older cousin Au Revoir (2016) are symbols already of master Julio Larraz, one of the most representative artists of the neo-figurative painting panorama of the 20th and 21st century who has an exceptional selection of paintings and sculptures exhibited, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ascaso Gallery, as well presenting it at its dazzling new headquarters in the cultural artistic heart of Miami.

“Behind The Curtain of Dreams ”(2019) it’s the name of this showcase, which permits to contemplate twenty large-scale paintings produced recently, some barely seen and others never before exhibited on the occasion of this exhibition. Also, a set of five large and medium-sized sculptures cast in bronze will complete the artwork selection.

Because of such a high volume of works, this show is meant to be the most important exhibition in recent years within the international circuit showing maestro Larraz. The public will be able to experience the audacity of this teacher and his ability with the figurative synthesis of the pictorial language, which has so much inspired the new generations of Neo-figurative artists of this century.

This exhibition will be due to its artistic and cultural reach, a must for collectors, critics, gallery owners, curators and art lovers in general. A unique opportunity to approach the magnificent works of this great Neo-Figuration master, one of the main dishes already for all those who come to Miami from all over the world in search of the latest developments in the international circuit of contemporary art during the Art Basel Miami Beach 2019 fair.

Larraz’s paintings and sculptures can be admired in all its expressive dimension at the Ascaso Gallery’s spectacular new headquarters located in Miami’s cultural artistic central axis. A space of 11,500 feet remodeled by the architect Johnny Lazo, that is integrated into a powerful tour consisting of the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Museum of Art and Design, the Frost Museum of Science and the Spanish Cultural Center.

The new exhibition space presents two imposing rooms with the latest generation on intelligent luminaires design, high struts, and large open and fluid spaces. The conception and cleanliness of the space removes everything that can get in the way between the viewer and the artwork. The sum of all these attributes makes it a space that will revolutionize the exhibition dynamics of the contemporary art circuit.

With “Julio Larraz. Behind The Curtain of Dreams,” Galería Ascaso completes a cycle of three exhibitions on the work of artist Julio Larraz, beginning with“ Coming home ”(2013) and “ Made in USA” (2016), both held in the old gallery headquarters at Wynwood. In this way, “Julio Larraz. Behind The Curtain of Dreams” comes to round out this broad and profound cycle of solo-shows around a fundamental figure to understand the development of neo-figurative art.

Ascaso Gallery is pleased to invite you to visit our new spaces, Ascaso Gallery Miami, 1325 NE 1St Ave. Miami, FL 33132.