The colors and perspective of this laser-cut work by Toronto artist Oscar Figueroa proclaim summer. As does its title: Endless Summer (Slides), 2018, Laser-cut coloured mirror plexiglass, 36 × 48 in | 91.4 × 121.9 cm
The work is typical of this artist’s use of simple, often found, materials, in the tradition of minimalism, and “arte povera.”*
Oscar Figueroa on Artsy, here.
His website, here.
*Arte povera means literally ‘poor art’ but the word poor here refers to the movement’s signature exploration of a wide range of materials beyond the traditional ones of oil paint on canvas, bronze, or carved marble. Materials used by the artists included soil, rags and twigs. In using such throwaway materials they aim to challenge and disrupt the values of the commercialised contemporary gallery system. – From The Tate, UK
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About arte povera & throwaway materials… Do you remember the AGO’s 2013 restoration work on “Floor Burger”? It included the discovery that the piece was stuffed, in part, with chunks of foam, but also with lots & lots of crumpled ice cream cartons. The cartons spoke to their time and to what helped fuel Oldenburg’s creative process, but, alas, had to be replaced!
I do not remember that, but that’s fascinating. I will find out more. Thank you.
You had me at Endless summer.