DAY 1796 - REVIEW - Burbujas

Artwork by Andrés Gamiochipi

      Mexican collage artist Andrés Gamiochipi’s output is fanatic.  His cleverly cut pieces are sure to delight.  His best works depict surreal landscapes and clever political scenes.  By combining found images not intended to be seen together, Andrés creates new relationships.  Collaging isn’t only about building a picture but about creating a story, and Andrés’ collages bring a smile.  Optical illusions such as “Niña Paisajista” and “El Camino” show his playful nature.

       “Galactic Levels” displaces the viewers orientation similar to Escher’s “Other World”.  Andrés frequently creates landscapes and architecture that break traditional rules of perspective.  His “Mirador Pt III” and “Promenade” transport viewers into another realm of fantasy.   “Templos Cosmicos” also portrays an erie world with elements familiar to our own, composed in new ways.  

      Andrés political humor visualizes religious, government, or environmental themes.  Some of the best collages envision a polluted industrial world.  “If you had to leave the city forever, what would you miss the most?” depicts a near future moment, with a family evacuating a smog filled city.   I’d like to see more works with a political voice.  It’s wonderful when a great message has strong aesthetic to back it.  

    Andrés doesn’t shy away from cutting up everything from complex architecture to pornography.  Investigate his flickr and personal site regularly for new work.

Review by John Aaron Coulter