Serenidad y Ruinas offers a comprehensive view of Manuel Guardado’s recent work, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of the tangible and the abstract, the real and the imagined. This exclusive online exhibition is an opportunity to experience the meditative depth of Guardado’s evolving artistic vision.
Serenidad y Ruinas: The Abstract Dialogues of Manuel Guardado is a captivating online exhibition featuring the latest works by renowned Mexican artist Manuel Guardado. Hosted on www.if6was9.art and artsy.net, from October 14 to November 25, 2024, this exhibition presents a rich interplay of abstract forms, materiality, and architectural influences, showcasing both his linocut and mokulito techniques. All works were created in 2024, marking a significant evolution in Guardado’s practice.
At the heart of the exhibition is the eight-piece linocut series "Serenidad". Measuring 30 x 20 cm, these limited-edition prints (edition of 20 per piece) invite the viewer into a space where architectural forms meld seamlessly with surreal projections of the subconscious. The tension between the structured and the dreamlike is a defining feature, as Guardado’s use of line and form evokes physical structures while allowing them to dissolve into introspective calm. Each print in this series is an exploration of balance, offering a contemplative and serene visual experience.
In addition to Serenidad, the exhibition includes three new mokulito prints: "Prospecto", "Secuencia", and "Ruinas". These works complement the linocuts by delving deeper into Guardado’s architectural and abstract expressionist influences. "Prospecto" is marked by dynamic textures and structural compositions, while "Secuencia" introduces fluid, magenta tones and curving lines that suggest movement and transformation. "Ruinas" is more grounded, using earthy, burnt tones and strong, linear forms to evoke a sense of solidity and decay, inspired by brutalist architecture.
Guardado’s journey as an artist has been shaped by his foundational training in architecture at the Jesuit University of Guadalajara, which continues to inform his work across multiple mediums. His practice spans photography, installation, sound, and printmaking, with influences from deconstructivism, brutalism, abstract expressionism, and optical art. In addition to his individual practice, Guardado has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape in Jalisco and beyond. He founded Rutas Plásticas A.C., an initiative to decentralize contemporary art through exhibitions and workshops. He is also the leader of Semilla Gráfica, an organization that promotes contemporary printmaking.
Guardado’s original workshop, Taller Gráfica Abierta, has since evolved into Taller Industria, where he continues to foster collaboration between artists and facilitate international co-editions. This transformation reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of printmaking and expanding its reach on a global scale.
Serenidad y Ruinas offers a comprehensive view of Manuel Guardado’s recent work, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of the tangible and the abstract, the real and the imagined. This exclusive online exhibition is an opportunity to experience the meditative depth of Guardado’s evolving artistic vision.
Join us at www.if6was9.art and artsy.net from October 14 to November 25, 2024.
