THE SHINE IN THE OTHER ROOM

Tang Contemporary Art, Seoul

 

《The Shine in the Other Room》 by Guillermo Lorca presents a profound exploration of the unconscious sensations that shape the human inner world. Lorca's work delves into the depths of the psyche, presenting archetypal figures and mythologies that are both ancient and contemporary. Each piece serves as a window into the enigmatic interaction between humanity and nature, featuring animals, children, and feminine characters as pre-conscious beings full of raw intensity and primal forces.

Inspired by archaic mythologies where each god, spirit, or demon represents a specific impulse, Lorca reimagines these archetypes in a modern context. His characters are protagonists in new mythologies, revealing deeply kept secrets within landscapes that whisper danger and allure. The selection on display is curated to reflect both aesthetic beauty and conceptual depth, offering a glimpse into Lorca's internal journey and the vivid chapters of his long dream.

Lorca's creative process is intricate, beginning with small sparks of inspiration—often images—that are archived, classified, and annotated. Through a meticulous and almost magical process, these references transform into the possibilities that drive his art. So, his act of painting itself becomes a ritualistic experience, resulting in unique objects that "deserve to be painted."

The themes of violence, beauty, harmony, fragility, eroticism, tenderness, and magic are interwoven throughout his work, inviting a range of emotions. Lorca's aim is for his audience to feel a visceral response—a stirring in their stomachs, a quickening of the heart, a sense of strangeness**,** and fascination. Viewing his paintings in person allows for an appreciation of their rich details and the impactful scale of his life-sized characters, creating an immersive and overwhelming experience akin to witnessing an unexplainable story unfold.

Lorca’s meticulous approach to painting, from initial inspiration to final creation, highlights his dedication to both craft and concept. The process involves not only the accumulation and combination of visual references but also the physical construction of models and elements that guide his artistic vision. This combination of traditional techniques and modern technology underscores the unique character of each piece, where every brushstroke and color choice contribute to the overall narrative and emotional impact.

For each and every work in this exhibition, Lorca's dedication to quality and artistic integrity is evident. Each piece is a testament to his personal experiences and the symbolic reflections of his life's most intense moments, particularly those from his childhood. The immersive nature of this exhibition, combined with the intimate scale of Lorca's characters, brings the viewer into a deeply personal and evocative space.

《The Shine in the Other Room》 aims to transcend conventional boundaries of art, inviting viewers to experience a realm where the unconscious and conscious worlds collide. The title itself suggests a hidden brilliance, an illumination of the unseen corners of the mind where primal forces and tender emotions coexist. This exhibition not only showcases Lorca's technical prowess but also his ability to tap into the universal human experience, making each piece resonate on a deeply emotional level.

This exhibition offers a mesmerizing exploration of Guillermo Lorca's world, where the boundaries between the unconscious and the real, the mythical and the contemporary, blur into a captivating aesthetic experience. 《The Shine in the Other Room》 is an invitation to explore the profound and often unsettling beauty of the human psyche, as envisioned through Guillermo Lorca's extraordinary artistic lens