Barjola, an apocryphal portrait

From 25 March until the end of the year, the SOLO Independencia space is putting on an exhibition showing the enduring relevance of Juan Barjola’s art (1919-2004), establishing a dialogue between Barjola’s oeuvre and more than 20 contemporary artists belonging to the collection such as Stephan Balkenhol, David Altmejd, Tomoo Gokita, Boo Ritson, Eva Alonso, Tobias Bradford and Paco Pomet, among others, as well as with works by great artists such as Francis Bacon and David Lynch.

This exhibition highlights the legacy of Juan Barjola, a key figure in new figurative art and Spanish expressionism, connecting him with more than 20 contemporary artists. Painting, sculpture, ceramics and artificial intelligence are intertwined in an exhibition that explores the enduring relevance of the artist from Extremadura through various creators and iconic figures.

Organised by the SOLO Collection, the exhibition pays tribute to the creative talent of Juan Barjola, a key figure in Spanish figurative art and expressionism. He was also a fundamental artist in the roots and origins of the SOLO Collection, and this exhibition aims to highlight the artist’s lasting significance and his ability to connect with the contemporary through works in diverse media.

Barjola’s art references the most brutal aspect of human nature as shown in the explicit savagery of Tríptico crucifixión [Triptych crucifixion] (1978) or in the feeling of foreboding achieved in the painting Animal sobre mesa [Animal on table] (1997). Other works such as Dos Mujeres Frente Espejo [Two Women looking in the Mirror] (1990) refer to sexual violence and war, while the dynamic mass of intertwined bodies in Bacanal [Bacchanal] (1995-1998) speaks of group behaviours.

Born in Badajoz in 1919, Juan Barjola is a key figure in Spanish art, a tireless explorer of gesture, space and colour that took figuration to new territories and eloquently articulated the drama of human existence. His work is currently part of renowned collections and institutions such as the Reina Sofía Museum, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), the European Parliament Collection and the Barjola Museum, in Gijón, dedicated to the artist.

Image credits:

Un retrato apócrifo [An apocryphal portrait] Courtesy of the Barjola Estate