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Introduction

Since the 1940s, geometric painting has maintained a constant presence in Argentine art, although with periods of different intensity. In its beginnings, it was an instrument to expunge figurative anecdotes favoring the exploration of plastic resources; in that sense, it became a key element for the establishment of pictorial modernism. Over time, however, it acquired its own status, giving origin to a fertile ground for formal research.

After the different specific currents of the 1940s and the emergence of the 1960s (generative art, primary structures, op-art, etc.), geometry took new directions, identified with the most varied labels: new geometry, sensitive geometry, neo-geo, parageometry, ornamental geometry, postgeometry, and so forth.

This exhibition aims to explore the rich diversity of geometric manifestations developed from the 1970s onwards, taking into consideration their visual qualities, their driving ideas, their contributions to the pictorial medium and their broad plurality in current production.

Rodrigo Alonso

Systems and Sensitive Geometry

In the 1970s and 1980s coexisted two almost opposite versions of geometric painting. One of them emphasized the notion of a system, the rational organization of lines, planes and geometric figures based on repetitive patterns, mathematical formulas or predefined composition rules. In some cases, it was influenced by the design and laws of Gestalt that postulate the independence of the whole with respect to the parts.

The other line took the name of sensitive geometry. It is a more personal, subjective current, emphasizing aspects such as textures, colorplay, visual rhythms, unusual or ludic compositions. Geometry is a "stage" where all these variables build a singular, unprogrammed image.

Geometry and ornament

In the 1990s emerged yet another type of geometric painting, inspired by commercial product patterns, graphic design and ornamental structures present in everyday life.

In opposition to the asceticism of the previous years, these works emphasize chromatic excesses and formal Barroqueism, giving life to powerful, large-scale compositions, sometimes approaching the mural scale. Their visual motifs arise from the artists' individual and largely arbitrary decisions, without responding to any pre-established program or specific plastic investigations.

They are pieces of great sensory impact, playful and attractive, which reaffirm the craftsmanship and the pleasure of painting.

21st Century Geometry

As in all areas of contemporary pictorial production, geometric painting of the 21st century is characterized by its wide diversity.

Unlike in other countries, there are many Argentine artists who explore the visual possibilities still offered by geometric resources, keeping alive the extensive tradition that began in the 1940s.

Their works combine references to specific moments of that history -such as op-art's optical effects and the singular path opened by the monochrome current- with proposals arising from the most varied inspirations: the forms and chromaticism of digital media, architectural abstractions, non-traditional materials, conceptual practices, installation scales.

In any case, if one thing can be assured about current geometric painting, it is that it is experiencing one of its best moments, and that it promises radiant and vital manifestations for many years to come.