The Voyage : by Reynier Llanes

12 December 2023 - 13 February 2024
The works of Reynier Llanes are a testament to his storytelling prowess. This exhibition takes us through Llanes' series "The Poet," "Tourist," and "Bodega," with each work utilizing different mediums and exploring the multifaceted aspects of art, culture, and the human experience. They provide an opportunity for reflection, connection, and inspiration, courtesy of an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and expression.
 
From the enigmatic figures of the "Poet Series" to his exploration of art in the age of artificial intelligence, Llanes provides a unique lens through which we can contemplate the human journey, the essence of the soul, and the moments of transcendence in our lives.
 
In his "Tourist Series," Llanes transforms the intangible into the tangible, laying bare society's reflections. He believes in the power of art to convey complex emotions and ideas, acting as a catalyst for change. Llanes is deeply passionate about capturing the wonder and beauty of the natural world, fostering a greater appreciation for our planet and its myriad of creatures.
 
In a world often dominated by consumerism and technology, Llanes sees art as a potent counterbalance. It allows us to step back from our routines, reevaluate our priorities, and connect more deeply with the world around us. As an artist, he feels a profound responsibility to use his work to raise awareness, inspire appreciation, and contribute to a transformative process that can touch and change lives.
 
With his "Bodega" series, Llanes breathes new life into the genre of still life. Using watercolours and coffee as pigments, often in large formats, he engages viewers in an exploration of human experiences, cultural heritage, and the role of light in storytelling. Llanes addresses contemporary issues while staying rooted in his cultural heritage, representing a modern resurgence of the still life genre.
 
Llanes' works extend an invitation to explore the multifaceted aspects of art, culture, and the human experience. They provide an opportunity for reflection, connection, and inspiration, courtesy of an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and expression.
 
  • The Poet Series

    Reynier Llanes' Poet Series has deeply resonated with a global audience. The enigmatic figure within the series serves as a blank canvas for viewers to project their own interpretations. It can embody a loved one, a source of energy navigating life's experiences, or a representation of the human journey.
     
    The Poet's documented milestones span from leaving home for the first time to contemplating the stars, experiencing childbirth, and falling in love. Both male and female poets in the series explore life's quest for happiness and purpose. This open-ended interpretation makes the series accessible and relatable, allowing viewers to see themselves, loved ones, or even departed relatives in the character.
     
    In a contemporary context, the Poet gains new significance with the connection to modern science. The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) immortality, where one's consciousness can transcend the physical body, adds another layer of depth to Llanes' paintings. The Poet transforms into an eternal being, perpetually accumulating knowledge and experiences, on an everlasting quest for purpose. While the idea of life after death has long been a human fascination, recent advancements in science bring it closer to reality.
     
    The Poet can also symbolize the human soul and the transcendent moments in life. It encapsulates the essence of love, beauty, and kindness that makes us momentarily lose ourselves. However, it can also capture the feeling of loss, disconnection, and the search for one's purpose in the world.
  • The Tourist Series

    As an individual who finds solace in the arts, Llanes is perpetually inspired by the myriad of challenges and opportunities presented by the world around him. The unprecedented events of 2020 have only served to underline the importance of adaptability and creativity, and as such, Llanes has made it a personal mission to capture these themes in his work. Much like a scuba diver exploring uncharted territory, he seeks to delve deeper into the human experience and express the intangible through his paintings from the Tourist series.

     

    Llanes aims to provide an honest reflection of society, its interests, and its ideologies. He believes that art can communicate complex emotions and ideas and can serve as a catalyst for change. Llanes is passionate about capturing the wonder and beauty of the natural world and fostering a greater appreciation for it in his viewers. By doing so, he hopes to inspire a sense of awe and respect for our planet and the many creatures that call it home.

     

    In a world that can often feel consumerist and technology-driven, Llanes believes that art can serve as a powerful counterbalance. It allows people to step back from their routines, reevaluate what truly matters, and connect with the world more deeply. As an artist, he feels a responsibility to use his work to raise awareness and inspire appreciation, and he is committed to this mission in all that he does. Llanes believes that art has the power to transform lives and is honored to be able to contribute to this transformative process.

  • The Bodega Series

    Still Life as an artistic genre has a rich history dating back to the seventeenth century, with roots traceable to earlier civilizations. It underwent transformations influenced by historical events such as the Protestant Reformation and the neoclassical revival.
     
    Traditionally, still life offered artists creative freedom and aimed to convey serenity through meticulous composition, color, and lighting. Renowned artists like Caravaggio and Dutch painters excelled in early still life works, while European academies of the 18th century initially dismissed it as secondary.
     
    However, the genre experienced a revival during the neoclassical era, and later Impressionism and Post-Impressionism breathed new life into it with artists like Monet and Van Gogh infusing emotion and modernity into their still life works.
     
    Reynier Llanes, with his "Bodega" series, continues to invigorate still life. He utilizes watercolors and coffee as pigments, often in large formats, to engage viewers. His art explores human experiences, cultural heritage, and the role of light in storytelling. Llanes seeks to address contemporary issues while staying connected to his cultural roots.

     

    In essence, still life has evolved from its humble origins to encompass diverse themes, techniques, and styles. Reynier Llanes represents the genre's modern resurgence by breathing new life into it and using it as a means to explore contemporary issues while maintaining a connection to his cultural heritage.

  • EXHIBITED WORKS

    • Reynier Llanes, Glim , 2019
      Reynier Llanes, Glim , 2019
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    • Reynier Llanes, Letters from Home, 2022
      Reynier Llanes, Letters from Home, 2022
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    • Reynier Llanes, Bettas (sketch), 2023
      Reynier Llanes, Bettas (sketch), 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes , Chemistry, 2023
      Reynier Llanes , Chemistry, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes, For you, 2023
      Reynier Llanes, For you, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes , Forward dreams, 2023
      Reynier Llanes , Forward dreams, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes, Gaviotas, 2023
      Reynier Llanes, Gaviotas, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes, Sunday hat, 2023
      Reynier Llanes, Sunday hat, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes, Thoughts, 2023
      Reynier Llanes, Thoughts, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes , Up , 2023
      Reynier Llanes , Up , 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes , Market plaza, 2023
      Reynier Llanes , Market plaza, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes , Light on, 2023
      Reynier Llanes , Light on, 2023
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    • Reynier Llanes, Open Box, 2021
      Reynier Llanes, Open Box, 2021
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    • Reynier Llanes, Blend, 2017
      Reynier Llanes, Blend, 2017
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