Mareo Rodriguez
Portals of Light and Matter:
A Metaphysical Journey through Nature and Spirit.
The sinuous lines in nature are more than divisions; they are conduits of transformation, guiding us from shadow to light.
Mareo's work pays homage to nature, blending landscape abstraction with a spiritual exploration that captures the dichotomy between "Matter" in the physical realm and "Light" in the quest for the ethereal and sacred. His creative journey seeks to transform the sublime essence of the landscape into a metaphysical and spiritual experience.
The Portals Series embodies this journey, delving into the symbolic significance of the wavy line—a motif ingrained in the natural world, seen in mountains, rivers, and lightning. These sinuous lines, in Mareo's interpretation, represent both separation and connection, serving as gateways to the unknown and the void. Through various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and digital media, he conveys the dual nature of these cracks, portraying them as symbols of both wounds and healing. The alchemical process of transformation unfolds within these portals, illuminating internal shadows and guiding viewers toward newfound light and consciousness.
Through his art, Mareo invites the audience to engage in a profound exploration of nature and the deeper mysteries of existence, where division and unity intertwine, and fissures become pathways to healing and evolution.
MATERIA, FISURAS, LUZ
In this exhibition, Mareo delves into the idea of rupture, and light as forces that reveal new territories of energy and transformation.
Dissolution of Duality
A black sphere, where matter merges with shadow, dissolves into a plane of water—a metaphor for releasing the ego and embracing enlightenment. This transformative process, echoing the essence of the Portals exhibition, invites the viewer to cross thresholds of perception, shedding layers of illusion and limitation. Through this journey, we uncover the true self, attain freedom, and experience a deeper sense of unity with all.
 MATERIA - FISURAS - LUZCourtesy of the artist |  PORTAL MONOLITH ©Courtesy of the artist |  Śūnyatā (शून्यता)The Luminous VoidCourtesy of the artist |  PORTAL 100 ©Courtesy of the artist |
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 Portals series ©Courtesy of the artist |  Portal 90Courtesy of the artist |
BIO
Mario Rodriguez "MAREO" (born in Mexico City, 1981) is a multidisciplinary artist who grew up in Colombia and is currently based in Barcelona. He holds a B.A. in Architecture from UPB Medellin (2004), a master's degree in Design from Elisava Barcelona (2006), and a master's degree in Arts from UNA Buenos Aires (2013). Mareo has exhibited widely, participating in solo and group exhibitions across North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
PUBLICATIONS
Mareo’s work has been featured in various notable publications. His first book, "Expansion," was published in 2018 by the Italian gallery E3 Contemporanea and Vanillaedizioni. In 2020, he self-edited "Matter is Condensed Light," a personal exploration of his artistic philosophy. Most recently, in 2022, his work was included in "VC 03," featuring the "Portals" exhibition by Valletta Contemporary in Malta. He is currently working in the edition of his new book titled "Portals".
BEYOND BORDERS
Mareo's artistic journey spans continents, with notable projects including Arte nel Bosco in Italy, site-specific installations at the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, and a monumental piece at the Istanbul Triennial. His innovative approach led to collaborations with cultural icons like Deepak Chopra during the Illumia NFT event in Miami and a group exhibition featuring Christo and Jeanne Claude at Hexton Gallery, Aspen. His work has also been featured in the Wavelength exhibition at Times Art Museum, Beijing, China, and the Inota Light Festival in Hungary. His art is represented in prestigious collections such as the META Foundation in Malta and the Black Gold Museum in Saudi Arabia, establishing his presence on the global stage.
MAREO is currently in Miami for a seven-week residency at 𝗱𝗰 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, developing exciting new projects. Stay tuned for updates!
“PORTALS”
Site specific installation made for Istanbul Triennial, in a tower of 9 mt diameter x 27mt height of a fortress built in 1458.
“Yedikule Dungeons” Turkey.
The Monolith, 2021 – A Portal to the Infinite
MONOLITH III – Portals Series
A standing sculpture on a pedestal, Monolith III emerges from the silent abyss, where darkness gives voice to light. Part of the Portals Series, it embodies the tension between void and illumination. 🎥: @eltiodelaluz