Alejandro Almanza Pereda’s “Horror Vacui” is a thought-provoking contemporary sculpture series that challenges the viewer’s perception of space and the value of art. The series, which was exhibited during the 15th Istanbul Biennial, features Romantic-style landscape and genre paintings sourced from Istanbul, each altered by the addition of concrete. This juxtaposition of classical art with a modern and industrial material invites reflection on the processes of human construction and the transformation of spaces.
The title “Horror Vacui”, meaning ‘fear or dislike of empty spaces’, alludes to a visual technique where negative space is filled with detail, which is mirrored in Pereda’s work as he fills the pictorial plane with concrete. This series not only represents a physical layering but also signifies the layering of history, values, and the evolution of taste from hand-crafted artistry to the utilitarian use of concrete in modern design.
More info: Instagram (h/t: Pera Museum).
