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Rafael RUIZ BALERDI (1934–1992)
Composición-87 VII, 1987
Uns…
See original version (French)
36
-
Rafael RUIZ BALERDI (1934–1992)
Composición-87 VII, 1987
Uns…
See original version (French)
Estimate €6,000 - €8,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Rafael RUIZ BALERDI (1934–1992)
Composición-87 VII, 1987
Unsigned oil on canvas.
52 x 65 cm
Provenance:
- Ekain Arte Lanak Gallery, January 2015.
- Private collection, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, acquired from the gallery.
Bibliography:
- Javier VIAR, Balerdi: la experiencia infinita I and II, San Sebastián, Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, 1993, no. 281, reproduced on p. 777.
Regarded as the leading exponent of action painting in Spain, Rafael Ruiz Balerdi is both a highly talented draughtsman and an exceptional colourist. His work has explored various aesthetic paths, culminating in gestural informalism.
Close to Eduardo Chillida from the 1950s onwards, Rafael Ruiz Balerdi developed his early painting style in highly structured compositions reminiscent of Cubism.
During a year in Paris in 1960 alongside his friends Sistiaga and Zumeta, he moved in avant-garde circles and discovered abstract expressionism in its various forms. His style became freer and colour increasingly prominent.
Following the Gaur exhibition in San Sebastián, he also took part in exhibitions at Emen in Biscay and Orain in Álava.
Whilst pursuing an intense focus on drawing—which he even went so far as to transpose into a film, *Hommage à Tarzan*, in 1970— Rafael Ruiz Balerdi created imaginary landscapes, influenced by Monet, some of which are monumental in scale (his masterpiece Gran Jardin measures 2.5 x 5.7 m).
His travels to India (1973) and China (1978) had a considerable influence on him. He took a keen interest in the Hindu philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and remained close to the Maoist movement.
He temporarily abandoned oil painting and worked in pastels, chalk and wax, entering a creative frenzy between 1980 and 1985.
In October 1989, he completed the set design for the opera house in Donostia-San Sebastián with four large canvases that symbolised his chromatic ambition.
He died tragically in a house fire in 1992.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
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