The By Invitation Art Fair is an exclusive event held in Barcelona for Spanish galleries to present their work, bringing together established and new galleries of the country. Our booth proposal showcases the latest works by Nikolay Morgunov (Moscow, Russia), José María de Aurora (Santander, Spain), and Antonela Aiassa (Buenos Aires, Argentina) as these artists focus on exploring materials and the surfaces that contain their artwork to ignite discussions around the sense of physical space and belonging.

Titled From Surface to Space, the art fair booth encapsulates the path from traditional painting techniques to the exploration of painting's transformative nature. The works extend beyond conventional surfaces into both physical and conceptual expanses. The show aims to convey an open message and an invitation to contemplation and wonder, allowing viewers to explore the diverse interpretations of matter and space proposed by the three artists.

In the years following the Second World War, numerous artists explored the concept of an expanded painting, one that transcended the confines of the canvas and dug into various subjects related to the medium and artistic production. In 2019, the TATE Modern organized an exhibition that brought together European artists of the era who were redefining the notion of painting, moving beyond traditional canvas boundaries.

Navigating the fine line between painting, and sculpture, Nikolay, José María, and Antonella pay homage to their unclassified practice, which engages with space and the viewer, prompting questions such as: Is the empty space integral to the artwork?  When does an artwork physically end within its installed space?

Nikolay Morgunov (Moscow, Russia) physically intervenes in space with his sculptural paintings, incorporating the surrounding environment into his works. Using plastic threads, he draws in negative sculptural space, effectively integrating it into the artwork. In other pieces, Morgunov employs metal to create voluminous structures, expanding beyond the canvas's traditional dimensions, encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork from various perspectives. This interactive approach not only raises questions but also prompts viewers to physically move around the artwork, enhancing their understanding of its message.

Artist José María de Aurora (Santander, Spain) explores space more subtly, paying homage to the physical act of painting and the power of gesture. His technique involves using resins and acrylics to create voluminous monochromatic paintings that transcend flatness, overflowing from the canvas's edges. Through these works, Aurora invites viewers to experience the tactile sensation of excess matter, evoking mundane movements like spreading butter or shifting sand. These colorful shapes generate a sense of ease, pleasure, and well-being.

Artist Antonela Aiassa (Buenos Aires, Argentina) contributes her perspective as both a sculptor and painter, examining the implications of conceiving both practices simultaneously. Aiassa highlights traditional painting techniques that explore a transformative perspective, extending beyond surfaces into physical and conceptual areas. Aiassa explores themes of identity, belonging and the subtle connections between the individual and the collective. Her paintings are characterized by a monochromatic color palette inspired by natural tones. With individual, delicate, organic lines, she creates reduced yet complex compositions with a strong presence that convey both tranquility and dynamism. Her sculptures are also defined by organic forms and are in constant dialogue with her paintings.

At Sorondo, we see art fair booths as an extension of our gallery programme. Throughout, viewers are encouraged to physically explore the space, engaging with different angles, lighting conditions, and emotional nuances. The booth serves as a sanctuary for posing questions and experiencing art in its rawest form, transcending surface-level aesthetics to delve into the emotions and spaces it occupies. To request the exhibition catalogue, please send us an email to juliana@julianasorondo.com