Cristina Iglesias - "Deep Fountain" 2020

1. Ignacio Uriarte

Signature Genre: Conceptual Minimalism

Ignacio Uriarte, often dubbed the "office artist," transforms everyday office supplies into mesmerising abstract art. His work, which predominantly uses paper, pens, and typewriters, delves into the monotonous beauty of office routines. Uriarte’s minimalist approach to abstraction has earned him critical acclaim for its conceptual depth and visual simplicity.

Pushing Boundaries:

Uriarte's exploration of repetitive office tasks as a medium of artistic expression challenges traditional notions of creativity and labour. By using mundane tools, he elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, questioning the boundaries between work and art.

Notable Work: "Sine Wave (Typewriter Drawing IV)"

This piece, created with a typewriter, has received high praise for its intricate patterns and minimalist elegance. The work was particularly noted at the 2021 Venice Biennale, where critics lauded its innovative use of a typewriter to produce delicate, wave-like abstractions.

2. Cristina Iglesias

Signature Genre: Sculptural Installations

Cristina Iglesias is renowned for her large-scale sculptural installations that merge architecture, nature, and abstraction. Her works often incorporate water elements and reflective surfaces, creating immersive environments that invite contemplation and interaction.

Pushing Boundaries:

Iglesias’ art challenges the viewer’s perception of space and environment. Her installations, often site-specific, transform ordinary locations into surreal, abstract landscapes, blending natural and artificial elements seamlessly.

Notable Work: "Deep Fountain" (pictured above)

Installed in Toledo in 2020, "Deep Fountain" features a mesmerising combination of water, light, and sculptural elements. This piece has been celebrated for its ethereal beauty and its ability to transform public space into a meditative experience. It has won several accolades, including the prestigious Spanish National Award for Plastic Arts in 2022.

3. Secundino Hernández

Signature Genre: Dynamic Abstract Expressionism

Secundino Hernández is known for his vibrant and dynamic abstract paintings that often feature bold colours and energetic brushstrokes. His work reflects a deep engagement with the materiality of paint and the physical act of painting itself.

Pushing Boundaries:

Hernández’s approach involves layering and then stripping away paint to create complex textures and forms. This method blurs the lines between creation and destruction, offering a fresh take on abstract expressionism that emphasizes process over product.

Notable Work: "Cazador"

"Cazador," unveiled in 2021, has been widely acclaimed for its explosive energy and intricate layering. Exhibited at the Museo Reina Sofia, the piece has been praised for its innovative technique and emotional intensity, earning Hernández further recognition in the art world.

4. Guillermo Mora

Signature Genre: Spatial Abstraction

Guillermo Mora’s work focuses on the relationship between color, form, and space. His abstract pieces often play with the physicality of the canvas, creating three-dimensional forms that extend beyond traditional boundaries.

Pushing Boundaries:

Mora’s art challenges the conventional flatness of painting by incorporating sculptural elements, thus creating a dialogue between painting and sculpture. His work often involves cutting, folding, and layering canvases, pushing the limits of how abstract art can occupy space.

Notable Work: "The Island"

"The Island," showcased in 2022 at ARCOmadrid, received significant praise for its innovative use of space and form. Critics highlighted its ability to transform the viewer’s perception of a canvas, making it appear both two-dimensional and three-dimensional simultaneously.

5. Jose Dávila

Signature Genre: Geometric Abstraction

Jose Dávila is celebrated for his precise and meticulous geometric abstractions. His work often explores themes of balance, tension, and the interplay between light and shadow.

Pushing Boundaries:

Dávila's work frequently incorporates architectural elements and found objects, challenging the traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture. His art invites viewers to reconsider the spatial dynamics and structural integrity of everyday objects.

Notable Work: "There but for the Grace of God (Go I)"

This piece, exhibited at the 2021 Basel Art Fair, has been hailed for its elegant simplicity and profound conceptual depth. Using geometric forms and negative space, Dávila creates a visual tension that captivates audiences and critics alike.

Final Thoughts!

Spain’s contemporary abstract artists are redefining the landscape of modern art with their innovative techniques and visionary approaches. From the minimalistic elegance of Ignacio Uriarte to the dynamic expressionism of Secundino Hernández, these artists are not only earning accolades but also pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. Their works, celebrated across the art world and media, continue to inspire and challenge viewers, solidifying Spain’s place at the forefront of contemporary abstract art.

Anthony Bell - Abstract Artist

From my Studio in Almeria, Spain

Email: [email protected] 

"Others have seen what is and asked why? I have seen what could be and asked why not?" Pablo Picasso