The Apocalyptic Vision in the Work of Abisay Puentes
Dr. Juan Enrique Guerrero, an art historian and philosopher, has been a critical and influential voice in the analysis of my work, and one of his most notable focuses has been the apocalyptic vision present in my paintings. This perspective not only reflects a thematic dimension but also a profound exploration of the human condition, internal struggle, and spirituality.
Quote from Dr. Guerrero: "The painter's work moves between two tensions. Desolation pulls at the faces, causing them to disappear like a conjured piece of tanned leather. Hope restores their weightless roundness. The passion of fear, the passion of waiting. All his drawings are inhabited by the message of the book of Revelation of Saint John".
The Meaning of the Apocalypse in Art
The Apocalypse, as described in the book of Saint John, is a rich source of symbols and narratives that have fascinated artists for centuries. This biblical text not only speaks of the end of the world but also of revelation and redemption. In my work, I try to capture this ambivalence, creating faces that reflect both the fear of damnation and the hope of salvation.
Personal Commentary: For me, using apocalyptic themes is a way to confront the most challenging questions of human existence. What awaits us at the end of our days? How do we face our own shadows and fears? In my paintings, the deformed faces and intense expressions are a mirror of these concerns. Through art, I seek not only to illustrate these concepts but also to invite the viewer to reflect on their own life and destiny.
Technique and Style
The style I use in my works also reflects this apocalyptic approach. The use of dark colors, strong contrasts, and dramatic lines helps to create an atmosphere of tension and urgency. Dr. Guerrero mentions how desolation and hope manifest in the shapes and contours of the faces I paint, showing a constant internal struggle.
Quote from Dr. Guerrero: "In Greek art, proportion condenses eurhythmy and wisely limits. Puentes overabounds in proportions in the strangeness of being before prophecies. Greek forms are empty of time and wonder. Abisay takes space and introduces it into eschatological temporality with the awe of a prophet".
Chiaroscuro, a technique I have adopted and adapted, is crucial to highlighting this duality. Deep shadows and dramatic lights not only create a striking visual effect but also symbolize the internal struggles of the characters I paint. Each brushstroke is a conscious decision to amplify the sense of conflict and redemption.
The Viewer’s Response
The viewer's response is crucial to the success of any artwork. By using apocalyptic themes, I hope to evoke a visceral and emotional reaction. I want the viewer to feel the same urgency and internal struggle that I experienced while creating the work. According to Dr. Guerrero, this type of art can be both disturbing and deeply moving, inviting the viewer to a deeper reflection on their own life and place in the world.
Personal Commentary: I have received many responses from people who have been deeply affected by my paintings. Some have felt an immediate connection with the themes of despair and redemption, while others have found in my works a source of comfort and hope. This diversity of responses is precisely what I seek: a personal and meaningful interaction between art and the viewer.
The Apocalypse in Art History
The apocalyptic theme is not new in art history. From Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel to the terrifying visions of Hieronymus Bosch, artists have used the Apocalypse to explore human nature and destiny. In my work, I continue this tradition but with a personal interpretation that reflects my own spiritual and artistic journey.
Quote from Dr. Guerrero: "We are faced with a new way of allegorizing visions if we consider the engravings of Albrecht Dürer on the same subject. Puentes' art is unsettling, it does not allow beauty to rest because what his ingenuity demands of form does not satisfy him".
Conclusion
The apocalyptic vision in my work is an exploration of the deepest tensions of human existence. Through painting, I try to capture these moments of crisis and redemption, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own life and destiny. Dr. Juan Enrique Guerrero's analysis provides a valuable perspective on how these themes manifest in my work, highlighting the importance of the Apocalypse as a continuous source of inspiration and reflection.