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Rafael MelendezMouth Smoking2021
2021
About the Item
Imbued with a darkly humorous iconography, Rafael Melendez's Neo-conceptualist creations captivate the contemporary art scene. Mouth Smoking (2022) epitomizes the audacious, influential, and disruptive nature of Melendez's recent works on paper. This exclusive, large-scale oil stick drawing on paper was initially created for the Erasures Exhibition at the prestigious Fitzrovia Gallery in London, UK. However, it was ultimately not displayed, making it an unseen treasure ripe for discovery by discerning art collectors and enthusiasts alike.
As Melendez envisions it, Erasures represent an ongoing exploration of hybrid forms that forge a novel visual language capable of simultaneously conveying multiple meanings and purposes. Drawing upon the innovative works of twentieth-century masters, such as Philip Guston's emblematic late paintings and Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophical concepts of "authentic ways of being," Mouth Smoking serves as an iconic exemplar of Melendez's nuanced approach to artistic notoriety. This piece provides an intimate glimpse into the mind of an artist unafraid to challenge contemporary aesthetic trends and forge his path.
The Erasure Series' striking simplicity belies its depth, featuring enigmatic body parts, cigarettes, surreal post-apocalyptic landscapes of urban debris, and the ever-present question: "What am I?" This collection of imperfect yet evocative artworks offers an exciting opportunity for collectors and art lovers to decipher and meditate on their meanings.
In Mouth Smoking, Melendez skillfully deconstructs Guston's oeuvre's complex and deeply personal iconography, transforming it into his own through a darkly comic, neo-apocalyptic reinterpretation. This fresh perspective breathes new life into Guston's earlier works, demonstrating the power of artistic reinvention.
Contrary to many contemporary artists who rely on repetitive styles and motifs to hone their craft, Melendez's Mouth Smoking (2022) stands out with its infrequent, talismanic imagery. The drawing features a mouth, a zig-zagging cigarette, and plumes of billowing smoke, which signal a new direction in the artist's work, imbued with a self-conscious presence that is captivating and thought-provoking.
- Creator:Rafael Melendez (1970, American)
- Creation Year:2021
- Dimensions:Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 30.71 in (78 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1995212444222
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Established in 2011
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