I remember the first time IG treated me with the work by Nieves González, and how a classical-looking portrait of an unknown muse wearing a shiny, oversized puffer jacket hit the spot right away. It was a mix of well-balanced traditional values, the authenticity of the light, almost faded, an underpainting-like technique, and a prominent contemporary object that made the work stand out. So, it’s been nothing but a pleasure to follow this concept evolve and develop to the level we are now seeing at her solo debut with t293 Gallery in Rome, curated by Victoria Rivers.
The ol’ “mix of tradition and contemporarity” is one of the oldest “tricks” in the book for making work that has its place in a historic canon while resonating with a present-day audience. But because it’s a fairly common way of approaching things, it is becoming increasingly difficult to use it to its full effect. It takes a specific mixture of approaches, techniques, or contexts to form a blend that matches the historically established level of quality while proposing something new. And the way González adds a contemporary touch to the ubiquitous trope of the traditional portrait, weirdly matching its distinct atmosphere and timeless appeal, just works!
“Symbols and atmospheres from that world appear in my painting without effort. Instead of complicating my identity, it gives me clarity,” Gonzales mentioned in her interview with Hube and Sacred Hair / Capelli Sacri, is a great example of this. Using symbols such as hair, a chalice, a cave, and blood, these contemporary scenes reinvent Renaissance and Baroque compositions to tell Mary Magdalene’s story through a modern woman’s lens. A woman facing the world in a garment that is evoking a (quite literal) private bubble, a safe haven that provides a snug warmth and independence. In her interview, Gonzales also mentions how the paintings have a presence that requires you to slow down. And indeed, with the sitter carefully positioned in a chosen outfit and under a specific light, their stillness and dedication seem to make it imperative for the viewer to take a moment to appreciate them back and honor their effort.
Text by Saša Bogojev
