Brussels-based artist Angel Vergara is redefining the landscape painting genre with a unique approach that transcends the conventional reliance on sight. Instead of solely depending on visual perception, Vergara engages all his senses to create compelling landscapes and cityscapes. His method involves working under a white sheet, a practice that adds a layer of intrigue and depth to his artistic process.
Vergara’s use of a white sheet is a deliberate choice that challenges the standard norms of image creation. Covered entirely by this sheet, he shifts focus from sight to other senses, believing that an image is not just something seen but also felt, heard, and experienced. This approach stems from his belief that every sense contributes to our understanding and perception of the world.
Adopting the alter ego “Straatman,” which translates to “man of the street” in Dutch, Vergara’s artistry takes him to various locations, from serene natural environments like Tai Tam Reservoir and Lamma Island to the bustling cityscapes of Mong Kok and Sheung Wan. In these settings, his ghost-like presence under the white sheet becomes a part of the landscape he paints, blurring the lines between the artist, the art, and the environment.
In natural settings, Vergara prepares his canvases with a base of light and colors, influenced by the ambient sounds, the wind, and even the humidity of the environment. These elements guide his artistic choices, resulting in paintings that are a meditation on the surrounding nature.
In contrast, his cityscape paintings are informed by the dynamism of urban life. The public becomes an unwitting collaborator in these works, with the hustle and bustle of the streets, conversations of passersby, and even the urban typography influencing his art. These city paintings are characterized by their busy, sketch-like quality, filled with words, symbols, and vibrant colors that capture the essence of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.
Vergara’s artistry also extends to controlled environments like galleries. In these settings, he uses charcoal on canvases, later removing marks based on his observations within the gallery space. This process allows him to interact with the environment in a more introspective manner, focusing on the subtleties of the indoor setting.
Angel Vergara’s work is a celebration of the often-overlooked aspects of our environments. Through his unique sensory approach to art, he invites viewers to consider the multitude of experiences that shape our perception of the world. His paintings are not just visual representations but are imbued with the essence of the environments they depict, capturing moments and sensations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Angel Vergara’s artistic approach challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional landscape painting. By engaging all his senses and incorporating the dynamism of both natural and urban settings, he creates art that is a rich tapestry of sensory experiences. His work encourages us to consider the depth and complexity of our surroundings, reminding us that there is much more to the world than what meets the eye.
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