Richard Garet: Espacios No-Euclídeos :: August 11 - October 30, 2011 :: Opening: August 11; 6:00 - 9:00 pm :: EAC – Espacio Arte Contemporáneo, Arenal Grande 1930, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Espacios No-Euclídeos is inspired by Albert Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity (1905), and references some principles and ideas explored through the model introduced by the physicist to construct a conceptual framing of the exhibition. Garet’s abstract and immersive works create a homogeneous space-time curvature. The accelerated movement of images and sound produce a vacuum effect that consequently makes physical heaviness disappear. There is not one type of Non-Euclidean space, but many.

Espacios No-Euclídeos is a solo show which brings together various representations of space and time, in order to introduce a selection the artist’s work that spans various media, including video, photography, live performances, but especially considering the possibilities of sound and light. In order to identify the structural elements of his surroundings, the artist, in an almost chromosomal analysis of his familiar landscape, isolates, transforms and rearranges the key units into new constructions. The result, perceptually abstract, is achieved by the methods of selecting and handling sensitive materials, through various analog and digital techniques. The lines, shapes, colors, and optical effects are key elements within the configuration of each piece.

The works presented in the exhibition are part of the natural evolution of the Latin American geometric abstraction artistic movement, which is concerned with the development of large cities and the process of modernization of industry and economy, and is based on the use of simple shapes combined in subjective compositions onto unreal spaces. Garet uses contemporary strategies to articulate similar urban experiences. Notions of functionality and harmony within mathematical order create new non-figurative realities that can be also associated with Op Art, Color Field Painting, or Post-painterly Abstraction artistic movements.

Curated by Laura Bardier

Richard Garet (b. 1972 Montevideo, Uruguay; lives in New York) completed his MFA at Bard College, and was awarded the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant, the Jerome Foundation Residency Grant through Issue Project Room, and the New York State Council on the Arts Grant through Lehman College. In 2006 he was artist in residence at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, and has recently (2010) completed a three-month artist residency at Issue Project Room. Recent exhibitions and performances include: Fine Arts Museum of Montreal, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, Art Museum of Puerto Rico, and El Museo del Barrio. His sound compositions have been published by sound art labels such as And-Oar, Non Visual Objects, Winds Measure Recordings, Unframed Recordings, Con-V, Leerraum, White_Line Editions, and Contour Editions.

Laura Bardier is an independent curator and critic based in New York.

Founded in August 2010 by the Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, the Espacio Arte Contemporáneo, looks forward to being the regional point of reference of international access for the promotion, research and exhibition of contemporary art. The Espacio Arte Contemporáneo organizes original exhibitions and offers international artistic residencies, support to in situ projects, and more.

This exhibition is generously supported by Ingener and the Embassy of the United States in Uruguay. Additional support is provided by Robert D. Bielecki and Asher Remy Toledo. All programs and activities of the Espacio Arte Contemporáneo are supported by the Ministerio de Educación y Cultura de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay.