Portals

In Portals, Rodriguez is exploring the strength of the Earth’s natural territory as conceived as an energetic and living mantle that is constantly moving and evolving. It is the raw energy of our earth that he is interested in conveying through his art. The Portal paintings employ natural elements of raw linen canvas with the sheen of black lava paint, or gold and copper leaf, providing the paintings with a reflective and light-emitting quality. Mareo also creates sculptures entitled Mantles that resemble ripples of white or black metal on the wall. Unique to this exhibition is a LED light crack that resembles a lightning bolt suspended from the ceiling of the Gallery. Finally, his other relief-style sculptures, made of layers of plexiglass, convey topographical renderings of the natural world. The use of the earth’s materials in the Portal paintings (gold, copper and linen) mimic the organic compositions of his Mantles and Relief sculptures, all together reminiscent of “chiaroscuro” presented in a sophisticated style of minimalism inherent in Rodriquez’s overall aesthetic. The strong contrasts of white and black with his glowing cracks, fissures and undulating curves resembling those discovered in rivers, mountains, lava forms and deserts. They invite the viewer to the unexplored space and to reflect and imagine possible worlds beyond. In many ways, Rodriguez’ artwork is a true tribute to nature and the questions that arise from it.