The Xippas Gallery is pleased to present for the first time an exhibition by the Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry. Named Lien entre deux mondes, it will show a set of previously unseen sculptures, specially created for the occasion.
Pablo Atchugarry’s artistic language, inspired by archetypes of classical, Renaissance and baroque statuary, develops and extends into contemporary abstract forms with an harmonious aesthetic and upward compositions.
« The verticality of his sculptures, that stretch up to the sky, also creates a link between two worlds: the earthly floor in which they are firmly anchored and the impalpable air in which they appear to float. Contemplating them, our gaze is automatically drawn upwards and loses itself beyond the matter. Pablo Atchugarry’s creations are shrouded in mystery and do not give everything away at first glance, requiring us to take the time to observe the sculptures revealing themselves to us as we walk around them, and as the light strikes them. »*
« At a time when plastic and synthetic resins were gaining currency thanks to their ease of use, Atchugarry chose to work with noble materials that stood the test of time. Whilst he has used wood, cement or metal according to the desired finish, he has primarily favoured marble, even more than bronze. In the case of stone, it is not only the artist’s hand, but his whole body that acts directly, engaged in a kind of titanic combat against the inert block before him. This unforgiving work requires great precision and lots of care. »*
* Extract of the text of Philippe Clerc, Lien entre deux mondes, catalog published on the occasion of the exhibition.
Born in 1954 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Pablo Atchugarry has been exhibiting his works since the age of 11. He currently works in Manantiales, Uruguay, his country of origin, and Lecco, Italy, his country of heart, where his studio is located.
He did his first solo exhibition in 1972 at the City Hall of Montevideo, and in 1978 his first solo show in Lecco, Italy. His work has been exhibited internationally; at Palazzo Ducale, Genoa (2018), The Brazilian Sculpture Museum, São Paulo (2014), the Groening Museum, Bruges (2006), and also at the prestigious 50th Venice Biennale (2003).
In 2007 he opened the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry in Uruguay. This institution aims to promote all forms of arts, and offers artists a place of meeting and creation.
