Rafael Melendez
Foot Head Smoking
2022

About the Item

Overflowing with imaginative symbolism, Rafael Melendez's Neo-conceptualist work on paper, Foot Head Smoking, 2022, captivates avant-garde enthusiasts seeking a distinctive approach to conceptual art. This exclusive, large-scale oil pastel drawing exemplifies Melendez's audacious, witty, and rule-defying exploration of the appropriation genre in art. Initially crafted for the Erasures Exhibition at London's Fitzrovia Gallery, the artwork's familiar symbolic iconography and visually alluring elements instantly pique viewers' curiosity, revealing a reimagined tale of an infamous artwork deeply rooted in art history. Melendez's artistic vision in the Erasure Series revolves around the innovative fusion of hybrid forms, art history, and the idiosyncratic juxtaposition of elements. By retelling the story of Robert Rauschenberg's Erased de Kooning, Melendez employs Philip Guston's iconography and a private erasure act within his studio to create an aesthetically engaging visual essay that conveys multifaceted meanings and ideas. Foot Head Smoking, a large-scale highlight of this series, showcases Melendez's unique approach to injecting pleonasm into an already saturated art world. The artist humorously and creatively reinterprets iconic masterpieces of twentieth-century artists like Philip Guston and uses self-taught ideas found in Jean-Paul Sartre's profound thoughts on "authentic ways of being" texts to produce the artworks for this series, further exemplifying Melendez's fearless attitude in challenging contemporary art trends and carving his own path. At first glance, the Erasure Series may seem straightforward. Still, it is filled with thought-provoking elements such as enigmatic body parts, cigarettes, surreal post-apocalyptic scenes, and a central question – "What am I?" These captivating yet imperfect artworks encourage art enthusiasts to delve deeper and contemplate their meanings, providing a truly immersive experience. In Foot Head Smoking, Melendez ingeniously dissects Guston's intimate and intricate symbolism, infusing it with his distinctive touch of dark humour and a neo-apocalyptic ambience. This novel interpretation breathes new life into Guston's earlier works, illustrating the potential for artistic reinvention and the transformative power of an artist's vision. Distinguishing itself from conventional styles and motifs, Foot Head Smoking incorporates unique imagery, such as a foot, a head, and a smoking motif, to construct a visual narrative that signals a new direction in Melendez's work. The artwork's self-aware presence captivates and stimulates thought, inviting viewers to decipher the artist's exceptional perspective. Foot Head Smoking, an undiscovered gem in contemporary art, highlights Melendez's daring and imaginative spirit. Boasting striking symbolism and enigmatic appeal, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist unafraid to defy conventions, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it.

Creator:

Rafael Melendez (1970, American)

Creation Year:

2022

Dimensions:

Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)

Medium:

Oil Pastel,Archival Paper,Mixed Media,Oil Crayon

Movement & Style:

Contemporary

Period:

2010-