Derrick Velasquez returns to Pentimenti Gallery for a solo exhibition with a brilliant fusion of marine vinyl and wood in “Close To The Memory Of”.
This winter, the Pentimenti Gallery invites art enthusiasts and critics alike to immerse themselves in the latest solo exhibition from Derrick Velasquez, “Close To The Memory Of” running from November 7 to December 22, 2023.
For those familiar with Derrick Velasquez’s oeuvre, his Untitled series stands as a testament to his pioneering approach to the visual arts. At the heart of “Close To The Memory Of” are these entrancing wall-hanging pieces made of marine vinyl. Each piece radiates with bold and bright hues, a clear exhibition of Derrick’s profound understanding of color theory. But more than mere aesthetics, this series is a product of dedication, intention, and passion. The layers of vinyl, methodically placed upon wooden sculptures, are reminiscent of a painter’s brushstroke—each adding emotion, depth, and narrative to the piece. The gradual curling of the vinyl ends beautifully contrasts weight and lightness, embodying a delicate balance that only an artist of Derrick’s caliber can achieve.
The personal resonance of these works cannot be overstated. Derrick Velasquez’s recent encounters with the harsh realities of climate change and medical adversities within his community have profoundly impacted his artistic direction. Such experiences, though challenging, have fostered profound connections and offered Derrick fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving dance of nature. As Velasquez himself beautifully puts it, the act of “slowly building these sculptures becomes akin to layers upon layers of the experiences and connections we make inviting a perceptual encounter and a tactile experience.”
“Close To The Memory Of” is a vibrant emotional and sensory journey. Derrick’s skill lies not only in his aptitude but also in his ability to convey a symphony of emotions through his work.
“In my Untitled series of vinyl wall pieces, I meticulously hand-cut individual strips of marine vinyl and stack and accumulate them onto precut wooden forms. As a bookbinder, the vinyl is a material I used as covers for hand bound softcover journals. The form and process of the formalized wall pieces came from an every-day practice of precutting enclosure straps for the journals and placing them on a screw on the wall. As these began to accumulate, I realized I was denying the intended surface of the vinyl and exposing the innards of the synthetic fabric. This creates a new flat surface that lacks the continuity of a sheet of fabric and becomes a construction of sophisticated and subtle color harmonies by way of hundreds of hand-cut and layered strips. As the number of the vinyl strips grows, the relationship of the visual structure slowly shifts – the vinyl no longer conforms to the shape of the wood form but instead rounds out to a gentle curve.” – Derrick Velasquez.
Those eager to gain insights into Derrick’s inspirations and processes should mark their calendars for November 10. From 6 to 8 P.M., the gallery will host a special “meet the artist” reception, punctuated by a talk from Derrick at 7 P.M.
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