Javier Barrios | Big Black Hole 10 April to 22 May 2011, Mülhaupt Gallery, Cologne Opening on Saturday, 9 April from 16.00 - 22.00
Black holes are among the most bizarre phenomena of the universe. Since the beginning of the last century physicists have dealt with these almost unfathomable objects and tried to give them a firm place in our world. Themes that change our view of the world are very present in Javier Barrios artistic creation. In this regard, he is not interested in scientific studies but in the world view the mass media, such as Internet, magazines, and television, communicate. During the last years, he has gathered images from these media and built an archive that he uses as a pool for his works. Javier Barrios is particularly fascinated by future scenarios commonly known from science fiction movies such as the idea of man conquering space and settling down outside the world’s atmosphere. Humanity would then have to redefine its role in the universe.
From 9 April to 22 May 2011, the gallery presents a series of his works. The choice of motifs and the use of specific materials opens up for various interpretation. The main work "Moon Gazer" shows an abstract structure of amorphous forms that surrounds a black hole. They give the impression of a galaxy or a star nebula. But it could also be the view of the night sky from inside a cave, which pulls the viewer into its spell. When taking a closer look one will see small black lights shimmering through the unfathomable black. The image painted on a polyester film and the light boxes made out of aluminum materials that give the work a futuristic touch. These are also materials that exist in the industrialized world, as well as the artificial light can often be seen in science labs or advertisements.
The most direct references to science fiction films are the protective helmet visors on which Javier Barrios painted with oil color. The abstract motifs could be associated with stars or images of an unknown terrain or a new habitat outside the world's atmosphere. While the visors´ function is to protect their users, the motifs can be related with a person who is far away in the galaxy or perhaps with a new space colonization.