Javier Vivas

Javier Vivas, who in the vast world of Venezuelan geometric art history manages to relate his graphic and plastic work to the current sociopolitical situation. It is this history that the artist uses to restructure the modern ideas of progress and advancement intrinsically present in the work of our greatest masters and adapt them to a different, even contradictory, context.

With the Cuts Grillas series, Javier creates paintings in which a perfect structure of overlapping lines appears to be boldly, even aggressively, interrupted by visual cuts, using optical effects to materialize the subtraction, thus transgressing a rigid, supportive structure and creating a sense of visual tension and instability. It is the visual interpretation of Javier Vivas’ artistic discourse and the conceptual, even emotional, relationship with its historical context that allows us to understand his constant feeling of interruption and chaos, and then empathize with him.

The difficult social and political situation in his native country, coupled with his admiration and relentless study of the masters of modernity, have created a language in which its most basic elements seem to be dictated by history. But it is in his way of configuring them, of establishing relationships between the past that triggered this present, where we find perhaps his most valuable contribution to understanding, organizing, and healing these painful observations. His work reminds us of the highest values of modernity, as well as its abundance, but also the fragility of that idea.

Encountering Javier Vivas’ work reminds us that error and chaos exist and are part of the historical destiny of nations. It reminds us not to take anything for granted and makes us responsible for our context and situation. In this way, his work creates foundations for building, for creating from acceptance and reflection.

Studies

2017 Bachelor of Visual Arts, Universidad de los Andes (ULA).

Group Exhibitions

2011 X Armando Reverón Exhibition. Juan Astorga Anta Museum of Modern Art. Mérida, Venezuela.

2012 “Cuatro Ojos” (Four Eyes) Ephemeral Gallery. Mérida, Venezuela.

2013 “Memo” Video Art Exhibition, Mérida, Venezuela. “Drawing versus Engraving” Huellas Gallery. Mérida, Venezuela.

2014 “Slideluck Caracas” Hacienda la Trinidad. Caracas, Venezuela.

“III International Biennial of Contemporary Art of the University of the Andes, Virtual Cities / Real Cities,” Mérida, Venezuela.

“Octubre Joven” (Youthful October) Jesús Soto Museum. Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.

“9th ULA Visual Arts Biennial” La Otra Banda Gallery. Mérida, Venezuela.

2015 “Octubre Joven” (Youth October) Former Athenaeum of Valencia “MUVA.” Valencia, Venezuela.

2016 “Room 3” Viloria Blanco Gallery. Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Aruba Art Fair. St. Nicholas, Aruba.

“Possible Dialogues” Parenthesis Gallery, Los Galpones Art Center. Caracas, Venezuela.

“Abstraction-Creation” Viloria Blanco Gallery. Maracaibo, Venezuela.

2017 “Entre Lecturas” (Between Readings) Parenthesis Gallery, Los Galpones Art Center, Caracas, Venezuela.

Awards

2015 First prize, Bidimensional mention at the “IX Biennial of Visual Arts of the ULA” La Otra Banda Gallery. Mérida, Venezuela.

Recognition as Outstanding Artist, awarded by the Rector of the University of the Andes (ULA). Mérida, Venezuela.

Artist in residence, “Este espacio no es mío” (This space is not mine) awarded by the 5th National October Youth Salon, Valencia, Venezuela.

2016 For Example Art, web portal, London.

Venezuelan American Arts Fund “VAEA” Artists Registry.

Saatchi Art Collection “Geometric Abstracts” curated by Katherine Henning.

Saatchi Art Collection “Mind Century Modern” curated by Jessica McQueen.

Publications

2012 Bibliomula Digital Magazine, #6 “Dystopias.” Mérida, Venezuela.
2015 A Part Publications, digital magazine, art section. France.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.