Gustavo Zalamea

Gustavo Zalamea is an experienced art profesor of Colombia´s National University in Bogota – one of the most reknowned for producing talented artists in the country. His latest exhibition presents a selection of the last 10 years of his work.

In relation to his most recent work the artist himself admits that there are many things unfinished and those that are finished may leave a doubt in the mind of the audience. “The pictures that are finished do not seem to be finished, as the painting comes from the back such that the material, which at times is raw canvas, is a filter and comes forward. This creates a sensation of weakness or lightness and that interests me, “says the teacher and former director of the School of Fine Arts at the National University.

Many of these paintings relate to political issues – Zalamea´s leitmotif. But what is new to his work is his writing. In this exhibition, which is on display at the Museum of Visual Arts at the University Jorge Tadeo Lozano until late June, his investigative texts are presented along with the rest of his work – indeed as part of it in relation to this exhibition.

Investigative Scribbles

These texts, scribbles, notes and concept maps are a new form of art that were formerly part of the essential process of research and analysis. But this time the artist integrates them into his works, including them in his exhibition space along with the graphic content.

In this selection curated by Ana Maria Escallon, there are videos, paintings and some installations and sculptures. Zalamea writings serve as a guide to the exhibition but, the artist insists, they are “not as important as the calligraphy itself and the presentation of the drawing “. At the same time he acknowledges that it is also important to present the creative process, a factor which is central to his work presented here.

Gustavo Zalamea, winner of the First Prize at the Salon of Colombian Artists XXX (1986) says is happy to consider new formats in his work. “I still have faith in certain values of creation. Some stay and although others have been reassessed and revised, in the end I’m still modern, “he says, and with this he does not renounce his art as contemporary.

Within this sample are works presented earlier in the year at the MAMBO (Museum of Modern Art – Bogota). They include works from “Tranz” which referrs to “The Isle of the Dead” by Arnold Böcklin,. There is also artwork that does not refer to politics but is an interior landscape, based on his studies, of something colorful and more intimate. It is as private as his palettes (which are made of aluminum foil molds) that become sculptures; small works which once again reveal the secrets of the processes Zalamea is willing to reveal.

The movement that shapes his work, it´s recognition of the passing of time and displacement between the outer and inner worlds, between modern art and contemporary art, are clearly seen in this exhibition that highlights the process through the inclusion of his writings. Zalamea recognizes that despite being more of a modern art artist he is also prepared to make changes and takes risks. His work is still progressing, it is still moving.

Biographical Information: Gustavo Zalamea

1951 – Born in Bogotá

1969-1971. Architecture, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá.

1971-1973. Anthropology and Design, University of Concepción, Chile.

Awards

1986. First Prize, XXX Annual Salon of Colombian Artists, National Museum, Bogotá.

1989 – First Prize for Painting, France-Colombia1789-1989 (Contest).

1992 – Premio Casa Andres Bello, Caracas, Andrés Bello Convention, Bogotá. (Contest),

1993 – National Graphic Design Award, Colcultura, National Museum of Colombia.

2003 – Guest of honor of the XII National Chamber of Trade Unions of the Renault Group in Paris and the Festival of Contemporary Art, Barranco, Lima, Peru.

University Jorge Tadeo Lozano
Art Museum
Carrera 4 No. 22-40.

Museum Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m.

Based on original spanish version of Sara Araújo Castro

Photo by: Gabriel Aponte

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