PEPE ESPALIÚ

PEPE ESPALIÚ ( 1955-1993 )

He is one of the key artists in the history of contemporary Spanish art. Strongly influenced by literature, poetry and psychoanalysis, Espaliú left behind an intense, copious and coherent oeuvre brimming with metaphors and recurring symbols such as masks, gloves, scars and tortoise shells. His sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and performances, express his interests and concerns about his sexuality and spirituality and the fears and traumas linked to the social experiences of both. Later, after contracting HIV, he simplified and reoriented his iconography towards his illness; this was when he created his famous crutches and carrying chairs, and ultimately took part in his famous public actions that are remembered as much for their social and political transcendence as their artistic aspect. His work forms part of the collections of leading museums throughout Spain and Europe, including the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (Seville), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid), la Fundació “la Caixa” (Barcelona), MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) and Tate Modern (London).

Tekster af: Artworks and Writings by Pepe Espaliú. Selection of works and introductory essay by Juan Vicente Aliaga, with additional essays by Adrian Searle and Marie-Laure Bernadac.