In the years following the Second World War, numerous artists explored the concept of an expanded painting, one that transcended the confines of the canvas and dug into various subjects related to the medium and artistic production. In 2019, the TATE Modern organized an exhibition that brought together European artists who, during that era, were redefining the notion of painting, moving beyond traditional canvas boundaries.

We've curated the latest artworks by Daniel Santolo, José María de Aurora, and Nikolay Morgunov as these artists focus on exploring materials and the surfaces that contain their artwork to ignite discussions around the sense of physical space and belonging.

Titled From Surface to Space, the exhibition encapsulates the path from traditional painting techniques to the exploration of painting's transformative nature as it extends beyond conventional surfaces into both physical and conceptual expanses. The show aims to convey an open message and an invitation to contemplation and wonder, allowing viewers to explore the diverse interpretations of matter and space proposed by the three artists.

Navigating the fine line between installation, photography, painting, and sculpture, Nikolay, José María, and Daniel pay homage to their unclassified practice, which engages with space and the viewer, prompting questions such as: Is the empty space integral to the artwork? Is the installation itself a standalone artwork? When does an artwork physically end within its installed space?

Nikolay Morgunov (Moscow, Russia) physically intervenes in space with his sculptural paintings, incorporating the surrounding environment into his works. Using plastic threads, he draws in negative sculptural space, effectively integrating it into the artwork. In other pieces, Morgunov employs wood to create voluminous structures, expanding beyond the canvas's traditional dimensions, encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork from various perspectives. This interactive approach not only raises questions but also prompts viewers to physically move around the artwork, enhancing their understanding of its message.

Artist José María de Aurora (Santander, Spain) explores space more subtly, paying homage to the physical act of painting and the power of gesture. His technique involves using resins and acrylics to create voluminous monochromatic paintings that transcend flatness, overflowing from the canvas's edges. Through these works, Aurora invites viewers to experience the tactile sensation of excess matter, evoking mundane movements like spreading butter or shifting sand. These colorful shapes generate a sense of ease, pleasure, and well-being.

Visual artist Daniel Santolo (Caracas, Venezuela) creates emotionally charged installations resembling sculptures, often capturing them through photography. Blurring the lines between photography and installation, Santolo's work focuses on emotion and symbolism, transcending conventional classifications. His installations often feature still life compositions of everyday objects, imbued with personal and symbolic significance. In this exhibition, Santolo presents an installation evoking themes of emigration and displacement, alongside an original photograph capturing one of his most minimalist installations to date: two dry leaves intertwined.

Throughout the exhibition, viewers are encouraged to physically explore the space, engaging with different angles, lighting conditions, and emotional nuances. The exhibition serves as a sanctuary for posing questions and experiencing art in its rawest form, transcending surface-level aesthetics to delve into the emotions and spaces it occupies.

To request the exhibition catalogue, please send us an email to juliana@julianasorondo.com