Alicia Gimeno: The Darkness Burns. The Light Freezes.

Alicia Gimeno: The Darkness Burns. The Light Freezes.

This new series within the RAMA collection speaks of contrasts, with absence as the protagonist. It envelops a form created by nothingness in two directions: towards the darkness, the seemingly burnt wood, or towards the light. The Japanese term MA 間 is not simply a void or an absence of content; it is a conscious space that cannot be explained without its context. This wrapping of nothingness is only part of the artwork, playing with the monochromatic contrast of the background, of the world.
“Void and absence play a crucial role in the creation of form and meaning.” Alicia Gimeno
Absence is the protagonist of these works. Wrapped in a context of light or darkness, they are volumes that frame the soul of silence. The Japanese term MA 間 is not simply a void or an absence of content; it is a conscious space that cannot be explained without its context. The subtitle of the collection, "The darkness burns. The light freezes." The seemingly burnt wooden pieces evoke a sensation of scorching darkness. The charred black of the wood is not only a visual impact but also a metaphor for darkness in its deep and personal meaning, where we hide our most fearful selves. In contrast, the pieces where the wood is presented in light, almost bleached tones, convey a disconcerting coldness, our cold armor to the world, our apparent good face we like to present. The light in these works is not warm or welcoming; it is icy, revealing, and often unsettling. The RAMA series is an exploration of the concept of absence. The voids in the wood are not merely empty spaces; they are an integral part of the work, defining its essence and structure. These negative spaces invite the viewer to reflect on what is not there, on the void that shapes what we see. Gimeno's works are organic and fluid, with forms that seem to move and change depending on the angle from which they are observed. This dynamic interaction with the space turns each piece into a personal experience. The voids in the wood play with light and shadow, creating an effect of movement and life that challenges the static perception of art. Alicia Gimeno uses monochromatic contrasts to highlight the tension between light and darkness. The wood, with its rough texture and deep black color, opposes the whitened and smooth surfaces of other pieces. This contrast is not only visual but also emotional, provoking a visceral response in the viewer. The shadows cast by the voids in the wood add another layer of complexity to the works. These shadows change and evolve with the ambient light, making each piece different at every moment and in every context. This play of light and shadows reinforces the concept of MA, where void and absence cannot be understood without considering their surroundings. "The darkness burns. The light freezes." is not just a collection of artworks; it is an invitation to reflect on the nature of existence, on how absence and emptiness can shape and give meaning to our perception of the world. “Void and absence play a crucial role in the creation of form and meaning.
The Light Freezes: Installation View in the Artist's Studio
As natural light filters through the studio, the sculptures come alive. Shadows dance across the rough, blackened textures and smooth, pale surfaces, emphasizing the intricate play of light and absence that Gimeno so masterfully manipulates. Each viewing angle offers a new experience, revealing the fluidity and dynamic nature of her work.
The Importance of Every Detail in the Collection
The voids in the wood are not random; they are integral to the artwork, inviting viewers to ponder the significance of absence and the spaces between. These negative spaces create a dialogue with the surrounding light and shadow, adding layers of complexity and depth.
The Darkness Burns
Gimeno's work masterfully uses the concept of burning darkness to explore themes of absence, presence, and the inner turmoil that shapes our existence.