ARCOlisboa 2024

In the ‘Opening Lisboa’ section at ARCOlisboa 2024, BETA presents a dialogue between Carlos Herraiz and Jan Vallverdú. Originating from Barcelona, these artists’ practices intersect in a shared inquiry into the dynamics of human existence and the mutable fabric of society.

Carlos Herraiz’s journey through figurative painting to what he terms "urban archaeology" underscores a narrative of temporal and spatial exploration. His series 'Tejidos de Encuentro' incorporates textiles that bear the scars and stories of urban existence, transforming these materials into visually striking works that speak of absence, presence, and the passage of time. By integrating the tangible textures of the world into his canvases, he creates a dialogic space between the past and the present, the personal and the collective, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experience.

Herraiz's practice is deeply rooted in an exploration of invisibility and the overlooked narratives that shape our collective consciousness. His process of deconstruction and reconstruction speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and invites us to reconsider our relationship to the material world and the stories embedded within the objects that surround us.

Conversely, Jan Vallverdú’s practice, deeply rooted in the traditions of both mural and studio painting, offers a meditation on the constant evolution of self and the inherent contradictions of the human spirit. His canvases are alive with the motion of ambiguous figures against eerie, surrealist backdrops, capturing the flux of human emotions and the continuous struggle within the self.

His methodical layering of oil paints allows for a textural depth that invites viewers to confront the excesses and superficialities of our time. He reflects on these concerns through a unique pictorial language that represents the tensions, contradictions and paradoxes of human experience.

The curatorial theme of ‘Opening Lisboa’ emphasizes the expansion of the world through artistic practices. This section of the fair serves as a platform for dialogues that stretch across geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering a communal space for shared discovery and understanding. Carlos Herraiz and Jan Vallverdú open up new perspectives on the human condition, offering works that are both a reflection of their personal artistic inquiries and a response to the collective challenges of contemporary society

Herraiz’s textural and compositional innovations, alongside Vallverdús canvases, with their focus on internal conflicts and the duality of existence, reflect a commitment to expanding the conceptual and physical boundaries of their mediums. Their art does more than capture life; it examines the depths of our identity and how we relate to everything around us.