Barcelona I 1976

Jorge Castillo made "Barcelona I," measuring 76 by 56 cm, a work that feels deeply personal, almost like a visual diary entry. Castillo, born in Pontevedra, Spain, lived through a period of significant political upheaval, including the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco. His family's exile to Argentina profoundly shaped his sense of identity and belonging. In "Barcelona I," the silhouetted figures and fragmented imagery evoke a sense of displacement and alienation. The scissors and disjointed forms hint at a desire to cut away from the past, or perhaps to reconfigure it. The dreamlike quality of the composition, combined with the bold contrasts in color, creates an emotionally charged atmosphere. It is as if Castillo invites us to share in his memories, his fears, and his hopes for a future where identity is not defined by political borders or oppressive regimes. The artwork reflects the societal issue of political unrest and the emotional turmoil it can cause.