PRART NEWS - Evelyn Yard is pleased to present
ROYAL by Héctor Arce-Espasas. This is the first London exhibition by Puerto
Rican artist and presents a new body of work consisting of paintings and
ceramics.
Arce-Espasas’ work focuses on
heritage, cultural identity, and historical timelines. Since
graduating, he has addressed ideas of the Exotic, immigration, Colonialism and
Post-Colonialism both within the Caribbean and in his adopted home, NYC.
Using the image of flamboyant King
Charles II found in the collection of the British Museum just a short distance
from the gallery, (who is also famously immortalized in a life-size statue in
Soho Square), Arce-Espasas introduces us to the moment in which King Charles II
is presented with the epitome of the Exotic, the pineapple. This along with
other exotic fruits, as seen in his ceramic ‘fruit stacks’ in the exhibition,
caused a frenzy in 17th Century
Europe and were often rented by the hour to adorn fruit bowls of the chattering
classes as a sign of good taste and social standing. The fruits often end up at
Royal court where they were ultimately consumed.
Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory can be seen to be a colony of the American
Empire. Although citizens of the United States, whilst living on the island
Puerto Ricans are not allowed to vote in the Presidential Elections and are
reduced to exotic minions.
In this exhibition at Evelyn Yard,
the Latin derriere and palm trees have now replaced ‘the
pineapple’ as exotic and seductive. Large scale paintings in gold, silver and
Caribbean sunsets create the tone and backdrops for a riot of dancing and
indulgence created in metallic glazed porcelain. The exotic here becomes, free,
fun, and delicious, reveling in itself.
Arce-Espasas, graduated from
Hunter college, New York 2011
Recent awards and nominations include: Rema Hort Mann Foundation, Van Lier
Fellowship (ISCP)
Residencies include: LMCC
Program (Lower Manhattan Cultural Council), New York; AIM Program The Bronx
Museum of the Arts
Recent exhibitions include: The Go
Between, curated by Eugenio Viola, Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy;
I never called you a dream, East Hampton Shed, East Hampton, NY; June Snow,
Evelyn Yard, London, UK- all 2014. AIM Bronx Biennale, Bronx Museum, NY, USA;
S-files La Bienal, El Museo del Barrio, NY, USA; Impresiones, relieves y
resonancias, Museo de Cayey, San Juan, Puerto Rico – all 2013.
Arce-Espasas hosts D’Marquesina a
New York based Latin party.
The exhibition runs until May 30 at Evelyn Yard Fitzrovia, London W1T 1JR, For more information: Info@evelynyard.com Phone +44 (0) 207 323 0805
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