Summer Group Exhibition curated by Avo Samuelian

André Schlechtriem Contemporary is proud to present a group exhibition by four Latin artists curated by Avo Samuelian, featuring works by Juan Araujo, Carla Arocha, Alexandre da Cunha, and Valdirlei Dias Nunes.

Carla Arocha’s work is beautifully minimal, arresting, and thought provoking – attributes which can all be seen in Girasol, 2005. Ten gouache on paper panels, that use minimal color, are mounted on aluminum. This long, narrow piece creates for a soft, entrancing visual experience that invites the viewer to stay for a while.

Juan Araujo’s work often explores the consequences of reproducibility in art, and in his small painting, Casa del Jardin de Cristal 5, 2007, the artist seems to explore these consequences in the context of nature. Earthy browns and greens comprise the majority of the painting’s outdoor setting, while intermediate pops of bright, and comparatively artificial, colors exist on a sign in the foreground.

In the works of Alexandre da Cunha, primary colors and references to both abstraction and minimalism are manifested through the use of found objects and materials. In Vista (burgundy), 2006, a punctured, found painting is covered by oil paint, leaving only linear fragments of the original in view. Also included in the exhibition are two new pieces that use deckchair fabric, creating a strong linear quality not unlike that of the aforementioned.

In Valdirlei Dias Nunes’ paintings, a flat, graphic approach creates geometric wood-like arrangements that are devoid of organic traits. Each of the four pieces in the exhibition exudes its own sense of precision, acuity, and minimalist structure. Though the colors are rich and warm, the harshness of each exacting line usurps this – creating an interesting divergent relationship.

Juan Araujo, born in Caracas, Venezuela, has had solo exhibitions in Madrid, Houston, and Caracas, and numerous group exhibitions throughout the U.S. and Brazil, including the São Paulo Bienniel. Lives and works in Caracas, Venezuela.

Carla Arocha, born in Caracas, Venezuela, has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in the U.S., Mexico and Europe, including ones at Andre´ Schlechtriem Contemporary, moniquemelcoche, and Koraalberg Gallery. Lives and works in Antwerp, Belgium.

Alexandre da Cunha, born in Rio de Janeiro, has had numerous solo exhibitions including ones at Vilma Gold and Galeria Luisa Strina. He has also had numerous group exhibitions including ones the Tate Modern and the Prague Biennale 2. Lives and works in both London and São Paulo.

Valdirlei Dias Nunes, born in Brazil, has had numerous solo exhibitions including ones at Galeria Luisa Strina and Galeria Ramis Barquet, as well as numerous group exhibitions including ones at Galeria Marilia Razuk and the Museu de Arte do Espírito Santo. Lives and works in São Paulo, Brazil.