Oriol Texidor - Immersions English version by Luján Baudino

IMMERSIONS

IMMERSIONS Before words there was the silence.

The series of works 'immersions' tries to submerge in the universal integrity and invites to the quest for spiritual dimension of the matter. Symbolically, immersion means regression to pre-form, the reintegration to the undifferentiated mode of pre-existence.

All 'immersions' follow the same pattern: a human silhouette is cut in the centre of the composition, static, hieratic, but instead of imposing itself ahead it does it from the back of the scene and lets the matter surrounds it. The artist doesn't draw the human figure, just preserves it, thus manifesting itself through his absence and appears integrated into the original material of the work's support - we can say that it was already there before. Interested by what is happening around it, stops and contemplates.

'immersions' is a work in progress series initiated in Morocco on summer 2014, and has been developed in different places around Europe. Technically consists on an intensified investigation project on the properties of materials and their artistic, expressive and emotional possibilities, displaying a wide range of techniques, supports, materials and systems of representation in constant development. At the moment, has received the institutional support and sponsoring by: Ifitry - Céntre d'Art Contemporaine, Essaouira, Morocco (artist in residence) Escola de Ceràmica de La Bisbal, La Bisbal d'Empordà, Girona (artist in residence)

Universitat de Girona - Convent de Sant Domènec (exhibition) Tinta Invisible, taller de gravat i obra gràfica, Barcelona (etching edition and exhibition) Museu Molí Paperer de Capellades, Barcelona (edition, artist in residence) Residència Artística Cal Gras, Avinyó (artist in residence) Werkhuis and Grafisch Atelier, Maastricht, The Netherlands (edition, artist in residence)

and has been exhibited in: Biennale Internationale de Casablanca, Morocco Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain, Bordeaux, France Art Bodeen See - Sommer Kunstmesse, Dornbirn, Austria Church of the Sant Domènec convent, Girona, Spain Céntre d'Art Contemporaine, Essaouira, Morocco Tinta Invisible Gallery, Barcelona, Spain ArtsLibris, International Contemporary Publishing Fair, Barcelona, Spain Church of Santa Eugènia de Relat, Avinyó, Spain Terrassa Cultural Centre, Spain Art Kölner-Liste, Fair for Contemporary Art, Koln, Germany Werkhuis Maastricht Noordoost, The Netherlands Pont Arte Gallery, Maastricht, The Netherlands Anquin's Gallery, Reus, Spain

“Art Bodensee 2015” Contemporary Art Fair, Dornbirn, Austria (AT)

'immersiรณ 064' graphite on paper 84 x 59,4cms

'immersiรณ 156' felt pen on paper 42 x 29,7 cms

solo exhibition “Immersió 100” at Tinta Invisible Gallery, Barcelona (ES)

'immersiรณ 192' acrylic on canvas 168 x 120 cms

Hundreds of drips in multiple colours are falling down from the top of the canvas. But a few of them goes on the opposite direction, from down to up, challenging the gravity laws... they symbolize the extraordinary experiences that helps us to elevate our consciousness. In a chromatic representation this few drips are the unique ones that have inner light and are part of another nature because can not be obtained from the three primary colours.

solo exhibition “Immersió 000-197” at Centre Cultural Terrassa, Barcelona (ES)

'immersiรณ 194' glitter ink on fabric 168 x 120 cms

'immersiรณ 046' polyurethane foam 42 x 29,7 cms

solo exhibition “Immersió 000-197” at Centre Cultural Terrassa, Barcelona (ES)

'immersiรณ 114' acrylic and pigment powder on wood 168 x 120 cms

'immersiรณ 125' varnish on aluminium 42 x 29,7 cms

Artist in Residence at Werkhuis and at Stichting Grafishe Atelier, Maastricht, The Netherlands (NL)

'immersiรณ 212' silver leaf and enamel on wood 168 x 120 cms

In a very distant past we all were fishes..

'inmersión telúrica (229)' rammed earth and metal sheet 366 x 366 x 40 cms

Selected artist Internatiomal Sculpture Competition “Anchipurac esCultura”, San Juan, Argentina (AR)

solo exhibition “Immersió 100” at Tinta Invisible Gallery, Barcelona (ES)

'immersiรณ 199' oxiron enamel on a door video 168 x 120 (image)

My studio's door is a very celebrated graffiti space in Barcelona used for urban artists coming from all around the world. In summer 2017 I have been informed that the industrial building in where I have had my studio for the last 10 years has been sold, so I have to leave the space. I decided to say good bye through making a last painting on the door, partially covering the activity that has been developed during all those years, as a tombstone, as a funeral. The whole ceremony has been recorded in a video art piece.

New graffitis will cover the tomb.

solo exhibition "Immersions" at Anquin's Gallery, Reus, Tarragona (ES)

'immersió 227' blackboard paint on playwood, chalk sticks, erasers, metal sheet 366 x 366 x 40 cms

Guest Artist VAC’18 - Viladecans Art al Comerç art fair, Barcelona (ES)

group exhibition "Cercle de Conversa" at Sant DomĂ¨nec convent, Girona (ES)

'immersiรณ 204' ink on paper 42 x 29,7 cms

Thousands of handmade lines are crossing the support in a very minimal and ritualistic gesture, trying to catch the essence of our existence. There, in the middle of this resultant fog, I'm not sure about the reality of my visions, or about trusting on my own thoughts. Just staying here and letting the live passing. No action, no words, no ideas, searching for being involved on the nothingness.

Artist in Residence at IFITRY- Centre d'Art Contemporain, Essaouira, Morocco (MA)

'immersiรณ 180' gold leaf on wood 168 x 120 cms

Gold is a symbol of transcendent dimension used for many cultures all around the world. Concepts like sacredness or value are related with this work, appealing also to its mystic connexion with the sun.

Artist in Residence at Cal Gras Residència d’Artistes. Avinyó (ES)

'immersiรณ 112' plaster on concrete bricks 228 x 120 cms

'immersiรณ 185' gel medium on mirror 42 x 29,7 cms

Artist's studio in Barcelona

'immersiรณ 182' phosphorescent paint on wood 42 x 29,7 cms

Almost imperceptible at the sunlight, is loading it's potentiality for when de darkness arrives.

Only the museum keeper can watch it when turns off the lights...

Publications

In-Lab

'immersions' series has been presented in several countries, inviting some times other artists, art students, children, or general visitors to participate in.

The In-Lab proposal has two parts:

1st part consists on a 1 hour conference about Contemporary Art and Mysticism "In Art we trust-Rituals and Rhythms in Contemporary Art" showing, among others, artworks by Anish Kapoor, Antoni TĂ pies, Wolfgang Laib, Roman Opalka, On Kawara, Bill Viola, Albert Serra, Marina Abramovic... focusing on the experience with the nothingness and finishing with an explanation about the intentions of my project 'Immersions'. At the end I provide the participants with A3 papers, painting materials and stickers with the human silhouette. 2nd part is a practical workshop where participants are invited to individually create their own Immersion. This workshop can be done the same day in a few hours, but as well can be developed during a longer period of time. In both cases, resultant works are exhibited in order to share the experience and open again a dialogue around matter and spirit.

This In-Lab can be done with a group of artists in residence, or can be opened to other creative communities, schools or general citizen. Previous experience is not required and there is no age limit

(Barcelona, 1974)

Architect - Faculty of Architecture, Barcelona, UPC SOLO SHOWS 2018 - "Immersió 224" Anquin’s Gallery, Reus 2017 - "Immersió 200-212" PontArte Gallery, Maastricht, Holland (NL) - "Immersió 200" Caracola Space Maastricht, Holland (NL) - “Immersió 000-197” Centre Cultural Terrassa, Barcelona 2016 - “Immersió 180” Església de Santa Eugènia de Relat, Barcelona - “Immersió 100” Tinta Invisible Gallery, Barcelona 2015 - “Ultramurta” Ceramic mural 40m2 installed at the public space, Baix Empordà 2014 - “fe” “faith” (1st part + 2nd part + 3th part) Art Center Can Manyé, Alella, Barcelona - “fe” “faith” (1st part + 2nd part) Terpkerk Urmond, Stein, Holland (NL) 2013 - “fe” “faith” (1st part + 2nd part) Galerie Frederiek van der Vlist, Holland (NL) 2012 - “Santuari” “Sanctuary” Public area Installation, Girona Temps de Flors - “ar+quitectura plàstica” Catalan Official Architects College COAC, Tarragona - “ar+quitectura plàstica” Catalan Official Architects College COAC, Barcelona - “essència”/ “essence” Public area installation, Girona Temps de Flors - “from portrait to self-portrait” with the photographer Antonio Nodar (*) 2010 - “saltamartí”“tumbler” Printing edition of 95 copies commissioned by DOPEC - “fe” “faith” (1st part + 2nd part) Art Centre Cal Massó, Reus (*) - "bubble" Design and execution of artistic intervention in architecture, Barcelona - "el moll" "the red mullet" Design of public sculpture, Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona 2009 - "libatio" Sculpture edition of 99 copies commissioned by DOPEC - "el salpàs" Artistic intervention in the architecture, Barcelona - "koe potter" Floating public sculpture for the Zuiderzee Museum, Holland (NL) 2008 - “blau” "blue" Photo-sculpture edition of 88 copies commissioned by DOPEC - "dépliage" Sculpture edition of 165 copies, Strasbourg, France (FR) - “fe" "faith" (Part 1) ArtLoft Gallery (Anquin's), Reus - "circular" Artistic intervention in the architecture, BE Dental Clinic, Barcelona 2007 - "cap a l’horitzó-horitzó al cap" "towards the horizon- horizon in the head"

- "objective paintings" 12 European Fair Contemporary Art, Strasbourg, France (FR) - "the copperman" Design and performance of outdoor sculpture, Tarragona 2006 - "HypérOptimus" Sculpture printing of 55 copies of commissioned by DOPEC - "presències" "presences" La Carbonera Art Space Gallery, Barcelona 2005 - "espectadors" "audience" Reading Centre, Reus - "espectadors" "audience" ArtLoft Gallery(Anquin's), Reus 2004 - "sèries 2000 - 2004" Muntané Gallery, El Port de la Selva 2002 - "ho deixo sobre la taula ..." "I leave it on the table ..." Oven Gallery, Barcelona 2001 - "Oriol Texidor– screen-prints, drawings, photographs" Atlas Arts Cafe, Barcelona 2000 - "línies suspensives" "suspensives lines" Jupiter Gallery, Barcelona GROUP SHOWS (selection) NOTE: the asterisk (*) indicates exhibitions with printed catalogue 2018 - VAC Viladecans Art al Comerç, public sculpture, Barcelona (*) - public sculpture competition Anchipurac esCultura, San Juan, Argentina (AR) - Kölner-Liste, Fair for Contemporary Art, Koln, Germany (DE) - Passatge Piera, Colònia Castells, Barcelona (*) 2017 - Kölner-Liste, Fair for Contemporary Art, Koln, Germany (DE) - Arts Libris International Contemporary Publishing Fair, Barcelona 2016 - IX Biennal d’Art de Riudebitlles. Museu Molí Paperer de Capellades, Barcelona (*) - IX Biennal d’Art de Riudebitlles. Obra sobre paper. Sant Pere de Riudebitlles, (*) - "immersió 132" ArtsLibris, International Contemporary Publishing Fair, Barcelona 2015 - "Cercle de Conversa" - Art and Spirituality, Sant Domènec convent, Girona - "White Summer Festival" Serres de Pals, Baix Empordà - “Art Bodensee 2015” Contemporary Art Fair, Dornbirn, Austria (AT) 2014 - Confort des Étranges - Showroom du Pierre-Louis Mascia, Toulouse, France (FR) - 19 European Fair of Contemporary Art “St-art”, Strasbourg, France (FR) - ArtFair.Koln, Colonia, Germany (DE)

- 2ème Biennale Internationale Casablanca, Morocco (*) (MA) - Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain, Bordeaux, France (FR) - Ifitry Résidence d'Artistes, Essaouira, Morocco (MA) - Art Bodensee 2014, Contemporary Art Fair, Dornbirn, Austria (AT) - Affordable Art Fair Brussels, Belgium (BE) 2013 - “Cercle de Conversa” “Conversation Circle”. Group Exhibition, El Tint, Banyoles 2012 - Tinglado 2, Tarragona’s Seaport. 40th May Fair, Tarragona 2008 - Solterra Palace. 1stAward of Photography Vila Casas Foundation, Girona (*) - "Director's Cut" (Erik Schilp) The Zuiderzee Museum, Enkhuizen, Holland (NL) 2006 - Museum-Archive of Montblanc. Exhibition for Young Mediterranean painters - House of Culture. XIV Painting Prize "Night of Art", Sant Cugat (*) - "Emergentes" Muelle 27 Gallery, Madrid (*) (ES) 2005 - 10 European Fair of Contemporary Art St-Art, Strasbourg, France (FR) - Fair Inart. Fair Palace of Girona. (Guest artist) - Private Foundation Reddit. 4th Prize of Painting Ceferino Olivé, Reus - "5 x 1" (series "concentration") ArtLoft Gallery, Reus - Cultural Centre Caixa Terrassa. 9th Prize for Painting Ricard Camí, Terrassa (*) - "100 x 100 artists' Arcada Gallery, Blanes 2004 - Young Art Exhibition Hall, Catalonia Government . XI Painting Biennial, Barcelona - 21st American Prints Art Supermarket, Bilbao (ES) - Municipal Auditorium. National Prize for Painting, MontcadaiReixac (*) - Anquin's Gallery - Art Loft. XI Biennial for Young Painters Competition, Reus - Regional Museum, IV Prize for Young Painters Muncunill, Manresa - The Arcade Gallery, Blanes 2003 - Peralada Castle, Girona (*) - Municipal Auditorium. National Prize for Painting, Montcada I Reixac (*) - Gothic Room of the Institute for Leridan studies. XIX Painting award, Lleida (*) - Chapel of Jesus. LXI Painting Competition, Prize Centelles (*) - Ámbito Cultural Exhibition Hall. 4th Jaurena Art Painting Competition, Barcelona - ArTnau Gallery, Girona - Parés Gallery. Six young artists, Barcelona 2002 - Parés Gallery. XLIV Prize for Young Painters, Barcelona (*) - Regional Council of Alt Urgell, La Seu d'Urgell

AWARDS AND HONOURS 2018 - Winner of the public sculpture competition Anchipurac, San Juan, Argentina (AR) 2017 - Artist in Residence at Stichting Grafische Atelier Maastricht, Holland (NL) 2016 - Artist in Residence at Cal Gras Residència d’Artistes. Avinyó, Barcelona - Artist in Residence at Museu-Molí Paperer de Capellades, Barcelona 2015 - Artist in Residence at Escola de Ceràmica de La Bisbal d'Empordà, Girona 2014 - Artist in Residence at IFITRY- Centre d'Art Contemporain, Essaouira, Morocco (MA) 2008 - Winner of the I Award-Grant at Cal Massó Contemporary Art, Reus 2005 - Member of Jury at the V Art of Painting Competition, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat - Guest Artist in the Art Fair Inart, Girona 2004 - First Prize at XI Biennal of Young Painters Competition, Generalitat de Catalunya - Second prize at the XXIV Painting Prize Valentí, Sant Pere de Ribes - Honourable Mention in the IV Prize for Young Painters Climent Muncunill, Manresa 2003 - First Prize in the 4th Art of Painting Competion Jaurena, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat - First Prize in the XIX Painting Prize, Third International, Fine Arts Circle, Lleida 2002 - Accesit XLIV Prize for Young Painters, Sala Parés - Honourable Mention in the XVIII International Painting Prize, Fine Arts Circle, Lleida 2000 - First Prize XV Sant Just Painting Competition, Barcelona 1998 - First Prize XIII Sant Just Painting Competition, Barcelona WORK ACQUISITION Centre d'Art Contemporain d’Essaouira Art Collection, Morocco. Artistic Heritage of the Netherlands - The Zuiderzee Museum. Holland Artistic Heritage of the Government of Spain - Ministry of Industry - CDTI, Spain. Artistic Heritage of the Government of Catalonia, General Secretariat for Youth. Spain. Artistic Heritage of Lleida Diputació, Institut for Leridan Studies. Spain. Rhima Art Collection, Netherlands. Jaurena Art Collection, MIR Paintings, Spain. Vila Casas Private Foundation Art Collection. Spain. Banc de Sabadell Foundation Art Collection. Spain. Caixa d’Estalvis I Pensions de Barcelona “La Caixa” Art Collection. Spain. private collections in Spain (ES), France (FR), Holland (NL), Germany (DE), Morocco (MA), Portugal (PT), England (UK), Belgium (BE), Austria (AT) and Argentina (AR).

North European Management:

South European Management:

PontArte dir: Marieke Severens Maastricht, The Netherlands (+31) 637 403 499 marieke@PontArte.com

Anquin's Galeria d'Art dir: Pepa Quinteiro Reus, Spain (+34) 977 312 759 info@anquins.com

South American Management: LB ConsultorĂa de Arte dir: LujĂĄn Baudino Buenos Aires, Argentina (+54) 911 3093 2844 www.lujanbaudino.com.ar

On-line Management:

Work available at ARTSY www.artsy.net

Work available at ARTSPER www.artsper.com