Virtus Marin VI 1995

Pablo Palazuelo made "Virtus Marin VI" from oil paint on canvas. The vibrant blue and crisp white lines are achieved with a great deal of control over the materials. Look closely, and you'll see that these aren't freehand lines, but rather carefully planned compositions of straight line segments. This precision imbues the work with a sense of order and geometry. The process of layering oil paint allows Palazuelo to build depth and richness in the color. The flat, uniform application, however, speaks to the history of industrial production. This highlights how Palazuelo brings together the handmade and the machine-made. There's a tension between the artist's hand and the desire for precision and control. Ultimately, appreciating Palazuelo's "Virtus Marin VI" involves recognizing how its apparent simplicity belies a deep engagement with materials and modes of production.