Oblong Contemporary Art Gallery: Electrifying Artworks of Spanish Artist Manu Algueró

“Where people saw endings, Manu envisioned Reinvention! The exhibition of the artist, Manu Algueró, titled, “The Art of Explosion” makes us all wonder about the moment that bridges the old and the new. His art is particularly significant in this period of great change and chaos. The world has almost undergone an explosion of the normal values and traditional dynamics” said Ms. Paola Marucci- Co-founder of Oblong Gallery about Manu’s artworks.

Manu Algueró developed a fascination for explosions at a very young age, loving the festive atmosphere that is infused by fireworks. When he grew up, Algueró pursued his interest and began exploring the concept of the Big Bang. “I found it interesting that the whole universe, all the planets and stars, were the result of one big explosion,” he says.

“At that point, I knew that I had to do something with this concept. So, seven years ago at my studio, I decided to experiment, to paint with ‘explosions’ and I fell in love with the whole process - the result was exactly what I wanted.” The artist’s work is inspired by intense moments of emotion and a desire for new beginnings.

Algueró experimented with metallic paint and fireworks to begin with - shortly realizing that it was not a good idea. He then combined plastic paint with a bigger firework and discovered a compatible combination for self-expression. “I paint my inner world, sharing my feelings to those who explore my art,” he shares.

“When I feel very happy, I paint explosions of happiness. When I have dark moments, I paint explosion of sorrow, which I often keep to myself.” Algueró’s family business involves the demolition of buildings – another inspiration behind the explosive art. “I love the moment of silence that settles in just before the 10 second countdown begins,” he says, of the building demolition process. The artist was in awe the very first time he witnessed a building crumble, admiring the beauty of destruction.

People may view destruction as a negative thing but always remember that in order to build something new, you first need to get rid of the old. If you want to build a new building, you need to bring down the old one. The same applies when starting a new life — you have to get rid the old ways of living to start fresh.”

From the moment Manu put a pencil to paper, he knew he was destined to be an artist. Born in Barcelona in 1976 and Manu studied in the Art Academy Mataro. He went on to study Graphic Design in IDEP, Barcelona and Art & Fashion in San Martin, London. Manu knew that the best way to learn was to explore different cultures and interact with the experts in his field. He loved making sketches and exploring his passion, but he had to find something that was unique. He yearned to be part of the artistic world and wanted to stand out. Being just another painter wasn’t going to make him happy, and he continued to search for his true calling.

Manu’s art is in permanent collection at Museo Can Framis and Museo Art Contemporani Espais Volart, both in Barcelona; Girona’s Museo Can Mario and Museo Palau Solterra, and Morocco’s Assilah Museum. Algueró is also recipient of multiple art fair accolades in Tokyo, Oxford and Amsterdam.

The solo exhibition at Oblong, will showcase a selection of 11 abstract paintings. With echoes of American abstract expressionism, Manu Algueró’s immense canvases draw us in with their interplay of matter, colour and artist’s gesture in search of visual impact. The large amount of paint used to create multiple textures, and shades is applied with a spontaneity that is often subsequently scrutinized and modified.  Besides their technical vigor, Manu’s artworks also show the artist's interest in the study of the human face, which is suggested by his highly dramatic unfinished figures.

“Just one day, when I decided to take large canvases and a lot of paint, it happened naturally, and that was when I began to dig into the material and begain to explore how to capture my energy on the canvas, how to embody my mood in a sincere way.” Manu Algueró