arête no. 8 - charcoal

In “Figure / Ground”, Luis-Ignacio Figallo delves deeper into his exploration of natural forms and their capacity to transcribe the passage of time.  The series marks a shift from literal interpretations of eroded landscapes, toward a free-form topographic language that breaks the boundaries of the rectangular frame.  

Each sculpted panel is meticulously eroded, mirroring the natural processes of wind and water. The rigorous detail in this series aims to invoke the effortlessness of beauty found in nature, resulting in pieces that evoke ephemerality through form.

In parallel, Figallo’s sculpting process has evolved as he uses new carving techniques to balance the transient qualities of his sculpted landscapes with the solidity of the material. The dynamic edge of each piece floats less than a half inch above the wall, allowing for a freedom of form while maintaining a refined sense of boundary. This approach serves to thoughtfully integrate the pieces with the spaces they inhabit, inviting viewers to experience a dialogue between the artwork and the environment.