Opera Gallery
Don’t miss Uruguayan sculptor PABLO ATCHUGARRY’S first major exhibition in Singapore, which showcases his signature abstraction style, says MELAINNE CHIEW
till october 14, Orchard Road will be conspicuously dotted with five fascinating sculptures, all bearing the imprint of Uruguayan sculptor Pablo Atchugarry’s signature blend of modern abstraction and fluid, elongated lines. The works are created from a range of different media — cut marble, enamel painted bronze, or stainless steel – all in upward spirals and pointing to the heavens.
For his first major exhibition in Singapore, the South American artist will also exhibit 30 of his smaller sculptures at the Modern and Contemporary Masters show in Opera Gallery Singapore, alongside pioneer modern maestros Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Manolo Valdes, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. Indeed, shining among the giants, Atchugarry’s works have been presented across the world, notably in Paris, at the Opera Gallery ( 2018) and the FIAC International Contemporary Art Fair ( 2009). He has also shown in the Albemarle Gallery, London ( 2016) and at the Armory Show art fair in New York City ( 2012).
Known for his lustrous marble works, which recall monolithic stone slabs of early civilisations, Atchugarry draws parallels between past and present, merging modern technicality with inspiration from bygone eras. Given the irreversible nature of directly cut marble, creating unique sculptures — especially with a smooth, contoured finish — is a meticulous feat. Cuts aside, Atchugarry’s marble pieces are also left in their natural state, be it a beautiful, white Statuary Carrara or a soft, Pink Portuguese.
Also not to be missed at this exhibition are the artist’s works in cast bronze, similarly elongated but vivified with boldly coloured automotive enamels from fire engine red to sunshine yellow.