Espuma III 2011

Editor: This is "Espuma III" by Requena Nozal, made in 2011 using mixed media, including acrylic paint. The striking horizontal bands and heavily textured surfaces are immediately captivating. What strikes me is the bold contrast, both in colour and texture. What do you see in this piece from a formal perspective? Curator: Formally, the painting presents a compelling study in contrasts, doesn't it? Note the juxtaposition of the upper and lower registers, both rendered in rich blues, against the central white band. What does the texture communicate to you? Editor: Well, the impasto technique gives it such physicality, it feels almost sculptural. I notice that in both the upper and lower blue sections there is this feeling of layering. The central register also feels like there are many tiny lines on a white surface. Curator: Precisely. The stratification in colour creates a captivating interplay of visual planes. Look closer at the edges of that central white band. How would you characterize the line work here? Editor: It seems very active, almost vibrating. Like… breaking down into smaller points of contact with the adjacent blue. It makes it quite dynamic actually, and helps it from becoming too rigid or formal, which is interesting. Curator: I concur. And observe how the artist handles light. Do the varied surfaces reflect it uniformly, or does it modulate? Editor: The texture definitely catches the light differently across the surface. The blues have a much less pronounced relief than the central area and give this piece an almost atmospheric feel, although I would not know if that was the artist's intention or not. This modulation seems intentional in directing the viewer’s focus. I find myself looking closer and trying to trace the strokes. Curator: The emphasis here really underscores the formalist view of abstract painting. This piece becomes primarily about the visual experience—the play of texture, colour, and line. Thank you for lending your perspective. Editor: Thanks! That’s definitely shifted my appreciation.