O_LUMEN. FRANCISCO MARTIN VILLARRUBIA’S RETROSPECTIVE

Discover the “Utopia of Knowledge”: Francisco Martín Villarrubia at O_Lumen Gallery

December 2024 to January 19, 2025

Imagine stepping into a space where sacred architecture meets the forefront of contemporary art—a place where history and innovation coexist harmoniously. Madrid now proudly joins cities like Milan, Berlin, Liège, San Francisco, and Manchester in transforming a historic place of worship into a prestigious center for contemporary culture.

Welcome to O_Lumen.

On behalf of Madrid Museum Tours, I had the pleasure of experiencing the work of one of my favorite artists: Paco Martín Villarrubia. His exhibition, “Utopia of Knowledge,” is not just an art display; it’s an immersive journey through four decades of relentless dedication to artistic purity.

Art enthusiasts, whether you call Madrid home or are just visiting—this is an exhibition you must not miss. While fully capturing the essence of “Utopia of Knowledge” in words is a formidable task, allow me to share my encounter with one mesmerizing piece: “Watermark.”

An obvious truth:

The Fine Arts are not always beautiful (nor do they need to be). Under its protective umbrella, anything is possible: we can be struck by the alienating impact of Bacon’s “Innocent X“ or Danny Moynihan’s “Spring“; be mesmerized by Wang Donglin’s calligraphy in “Distant Dream,” or find satisfaction in Mrs. King Cobra’s silicone molds in “White Bread.” I could continue citing examples all the way to the summit of Aconcagua, but this blog isn’t about that. It’s about those times when Fine Arts, unapologetically, live up to their name.

An Example : A Glimpse into “Watermark”

As I stand before “Watermark,” I’m immediately drawn into its depths. Delicate glazes reveal vertical abstractions crafted through fine drips, imaginative sprays, and generous spatula work. These elements are punctuated by upright bands of precise lines, creating a rhythm that guides the eye.

Suddenly, from the lower-left quadrant, an echo of Bacon’s “Innocent X“  emerges—a haunting variation that bridges past and present. My gaze drifts across a blurred backdrop of subtle chiaroscuro, where in the upper-left corner, a divine specter seems to watch over the unfolding narrative.

Returning to the procession of upright forms, I witness irrefutable evidence of Paco’s pictorial virtuosity. There’s a palpable tension, a sense of discovery, as he uncovers utopian images on the panel using a harmonious blend of techniques. The surface texture reveals grains of centuries-old beech wood, masterfully integrated into the composition. Symbolism abounds—hints of origins, the closing of circles, luminous revelations.

In this moment, I find myself in a state of contemplative ecstasy, akin to a devotee before a Mater Dolorosa. But it’s not just “Watermark” that evokes such profound emotion.

An Exhibition That Nourishes the Soul

Every painting in this exhibition beckons with the same magnetic allure. Delve deep into Paco Martín Villarrubia’s creations, and you’ll find nourishment for the soul:

• Emerging Forms: Shapes, shadows, and reflections born from the subconscious captivate and intrigue.
• Bold Contrasts: Disruptive bands traced with impeccable precision surprise and challenge perception.
• Sublime Gradients: Exquisite color transitions enchant the senses, avoiding the clamor of primary hues.
• Multifaceted Spaces: Flat planes rich with extraordinary forms invite endless exploration.

Above all, it’s the artist’s astounding versatility—never straying from his unmistakable signature—that leaves a lasting impression.

The Mastery of Paco Martín Villarrubia

This exhibition is the culmination of forty years of tireless dedication. Paco shuns commercial concessions and superficial trends, embodying an unwavering commitment to his artistic principles. His approach is almost engineering in its precision, striving to eliminate even the slightest imperfection. Yet, paradoxically, his art is a testament to liberating expressive freedom—forms unbound by constraints.

• From Afar: His ethereal structures may seem to float above their supports or anchor firmly to them, consistently conveying a refined lightness.
• Up Close: The intimate details reveal masterful control over technique, a fusion of compositional perfection and unyielding formal freedom—the essence of true art.

Beyond Labels: A Unique Artistic Voice

It would be a disservice to pigeonhole Paco as merely an “eco-artist” or “found-object artist” within the broad group of “Eco-artists” or “Found-object artists,” who, since Miró’s “L’Objet” or Rauschenberg’s “Combines,” have used discarded materials in their works. Beyond the widely embraced concept of sustainable artistic consciousness, Paco’s fervent preference for rummaging through discarded objects and integrating them into his artistic process truly stands out. This is evident in his use of blinds, pieces of kitchen furniture, and wooden panels, where original material coexists harmoniously with newly created art.

This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about a fervent passion for harmony between the original material and the newly created form.

An Invitation

“I strive for a mode of expression rooted in gesture and restraint…” — Paco Martín Villarrubia

In a world often saturated with excess, Paco’s art is a breath of fresh air—intimate, profound, and refreshingly authentic. There are no bold reds, electric blues, or dazzling yellows here. Instead, there’s a sensitive palette that aligns perfectly with the artist’s introspective nature.

Seize this rare opportunity to experience the “Utopia of Knowledge” at O_Lumen Gallery. Let Paco Martín Villarrubia’s masterpieces challenge your perceptions, stir your emotions, and inspire your own journey of discovery. This is more than an exhibition; it’s an intimate dialogue between artist and viewer, a space where art genuinely lives up to its highest calling.

Mark your calendars: December 2024 to January 19, 2025. Allow yourself the luxury of immersion in an experience that resonates far beyond the visual—a celebration of art in its purest form.