EXHIBITIONS | November 21, 2024
Portals: Thresholds Between Matter and Spirit
Exploring the intersection of nature, light, and transformation in Mareo Rodríguez's latest exhibition at Load Gallery, Barcelona.
By Laura Acosta
Art, at its best, challenges us to see the unseen and question what we believe to be permanent. In "Portals," Mareo invites us to journey beyond the surface, exploring cracks as symbols of both vulnerability and infinite potential. This exhibition is a testament to his ability to weave together the tangible and the intangible, the personal and the universal.
"Portals" by Mareo Rodríguez at Load Gallery: an immersive exploration of light, shadow, and the transformative power of cracks.
The Symbolism of the Crack
In "Portals," cracks become an essential language—both poetic and structural. Mareo reminds us that fractures are more than breaks; they are openings. As he poignantly states, “Cracks are not mere ruptures; they are thresholds, invitations to explore what lies beyond.” This idea resonates deeply, not only within the context of his art but also in how we navigate our personal lives.
These fissures, present in his sculptural works and installations, seem to mirror the emotional landscapes of human experience: wounds that carry the weight of loss but also the promise of transformation. His use of the wavy line—a motif that draws from natural phenomena such as riverbeds or lightning strikes—brings this concept to life. This is not just a visual element; it is a philosophical one, urging us to see cracks as bridges rather than divides. Mareo captures the resilience of nature and humanity in equal measure, showing us that it is not the break itself but what emerges through it that truly matters.
His work invites us to linger, to look deeper. These cracks are spaces of healing, where light finds its way through and redefines the void. The wavy line is also an invitation, asking us to reconsider the boundaries we build—between ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
Mareo Rodríguez, immersed within his artistic universe, where light and void merge to create a reflection of the self.
The immersive installation "Portals" invites viewers to step into the unknown and experience the tension between light and shadow.
Nature as Spirit, Spirit as Matter
Mareo’s connection to nature is not superficial or symbolic; it is intrinsic. His belief that “matter is condensed light” reveals his deep reverence for the Earth’s processes—erosion, renewal, and growth. In "Portals," nature is not merely a subject but a collaborator. The rawness of the materials he uses, such as stone and wood, becomes a canvas for the intangible: spirit, energy, and emotion.
What strikes me most about his work is how it transcends traditional landscape abstraction. It does not seek to replicate or romanticize nature but to understand it as an active force, one that shapes and is shaped by us. His pieces are imbued with a timeless quality, feeling simultaneously ancient and futuristic. Each sculpture and installation pulses with an energy that connects us to something larger than ourselves—a reminder that we are both part of the Earth and responsible for it.
In "Portals," the balance between destruction and creation feels particularly poignant. The works suggest that, much like in nature, the moments of rupture are where the greatest growth occurs. It is a message that feels especially urgent in today’s world, where the fractures in our environment and societies are increasingly visible.
Details from "Portals" at Load Gallery: an exploration of cracks, fissures, and their poetic symbolism.
Intersections of Influence and Innovation
Mareo’s influences—Lucio Fontana, Anish Kapoor, Pierre Soulages—are evident, but what makes his work truly compelling is how he takes these inspirations and makes them his own. Fontana’s conceptual cuts opened up infinite possibilities in space; Kapoor’s voids speak to the power of absence; Soulages found light in blackness. Mareo integrates these ideas seamlessly, yet his work carries a sensitivity and a rawness that feels distinctively his.
Over the years, I’ve admired how his practice has evolved to embrace deeper questions about the Anthropocene. His works are not just reflections of the natural world; they are meditations on our place within it. In "Portals," the cracks are not only metaphors but also warnings, asking us to consider the fragility of the systems we rely on. Yet, there is hope in his work—a belief that through these fractures, we can find new ways of being.
What makes this exhibition particularly special is its interactivity. Mareo’s installations demand more than passive observation; they ask you to engage, to move through the spaces between the works, to step into the voids. These physical interactions mirror the introspection his art demands. It’s an invitation to confront not only the external but also the internal, to find clarity in the spaces where light and shadow meet.
“When you step into the space of the crack, you enter a dialogue with yourself,”
he explains.
Fragments of "Portals," showcasing the dynamic interplay of materiality and the metaphysical.
A Digital and Spatial Journey
"Portals" is also a milestone for Mareo, marking his first digital showcase. The exhibition’s hybrid format—rooted in both the physical space of Load Gallery and the limitless reach of digital platforms—feels fitting for his work, which bridges worlds and dimensions.
Mareo has a remarkable ability to create spaces that feel both intimate and expansive. In "Portals," every detail—from the play of light and shadow to the textures of the materials—invites reflection.This is not just an exhibition; it is an experience, one that lingers long after you leave the gallery.
The physical installations highlight the tactile and material qualities of his art, while the digital component expands its accessibility, allowing more people to engage with his vision. Walking through the gallery, there is a sense of stepping into another world, one where cracks become portals, and voids are spaces of possibility rather than emptiness.
Discover the intricate interplay of light, texture, and voids in Mareo Rodríguez’s "Portals." All images courtesy of the artist.
Exhibition Details
Venue: Load Gallery, Carrer Llull, 134, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Dates: October 31 – December 7, 2024
Load Gallery
Laura Acosta, Curator and Creative Director at Arttyco, combines her background in architecture, interior design, and cultural management to create accessible and engaging contemporary art experiences. Her multidisciplinary approach emphasizes spatial awareness and deep audience connection.