Mexican Painting
APERTURA
Javier Lopez Pastrana
Technique
Mixed on Canvas
Year
2005
Size
80x150cm/ 31x59in
Author Collection
Painting Inspiration and Concept
"APERTURA" by Javier Lopez Pastrana is a Mexican painting from the author's collection. Created on canvas in the 2000s, this artwork falls within the genre of contemporary art. The composition features a mixed media technique and is presented in a landscape orientation, measuring 80x150cm (31x59in).
The painting serves as a visual metaphor inspired by an artichoke, specifically its layers that can be opened to extract its pulp. These layers of the artichoke sparked the artist's thoughts about the various layers of personality that develop and form over time, from infancy to adolescence and adulthood. The artwork explores the concept of introspection and the formation of one's dominant personality traits that crystallize as they mature.
Through the metaphor of opening up the layers of the artichoke, the painting invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of their own personalities and the layers that make up their identity. It prompts introspection and contemplation about the different aspects that shape an individual's character. By separating oneself from the artificial and mechanical layers of personality, the artwork suggests the need for self-reflection and meditation to generate greater self-awareness and illuminate the consciousness.
"APERTURA" is a visual exploration of the famous philosophical maxim "know yourself" attributed to Heraclitus and Socrates. It serves as a reflective abstraction, encouraging viewers to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and understanding. The painting offers a visual exercise that prompts the search for deeper meaning and insight into one's true self.
The artwork's abstraction and layered composition symbolize the complex nature of human identity and the multidimensionality of the individual. It invites viewers to delve into their own introspective process, contemplating the layers of their personality and striving to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
By contemplating "APERTURA," viewers are encouraged to engage in introspection and self-reflection, embracing the wisdom of knowing oneself. The painting serves as a catalyst for personal growth and a reminder of the importance of understanding and embracing one's true essence. It invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, peeling away the layers of their identity to reveal their authentic selves.
Artist Quote
"I remember thinking about an artichoke, in which the layers of said edible plant are opened to extract its pulp, those layers reminded me of esoteric thoughts about the various layers of personality that are growing and forming over time from the stage neonatal until reaching adolescence and adulthood, where the dominant personality forms in a person have already crystallized.
Then to internalize oneself to know oneself and to separate from the artificial and mechanical of said false layers of the personality, it must have an opening where reflecting and meditating about oneself opens the possibility of generating greater light in the consciousness of the " it's me".
This is a painting with a theme that makes a reflexive abstraction to the famous saying of Heraclitus and Socrates "know yourself", then this becomes a small visual exercise that refers to the search for it."