Enric Mestre: Architecture Imaginary at Modern Shapes, Antwerp

Enric Mestre: Architecture Imaginary is on view at Modern Shapes, Antwerp

September 10 – October 4

How architecture feeds the imagination of art.
Despite the fundamental functions that architecture must perform, the best examples continue to inspire artists across all genres with their masterful use of space, harmony and proportion. Modern Shapes Gallery presents a selection of architectural ceramic art by the Spanish master sculptor Enric Mestre.

Enric Mestre, born 1936 lives and works in Valencia Spain. Mestre is recognized worldwide and won many international awards and has participated in numerous individual and collective exhibitions around the world. His sculptural objects seem sober spatial constructions: boxlike, slab built architectural structures of austere colours dominated by right angles. But appearances are deceptive: these objects have a poetic charm which saves them from only being rational and cold. The eye of the beholder detects small projections, subtle displacements and slants which, together with the immediate effect of the material, counteract the angularity of the slabs which compose these quiet and well balanced constructions of strict geometrical order. Though these objects are often carefully planned and developed, Eric Mestre with his works insists on intuition – as if obeying a kind of constructive poetics restraining and controlling personal expressions without eliminating them.

Founded in 2011 in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, Modern Shapes Gallery is specialised in unique contemporary and modern studio ceramics. It is as much a gallery as it is a curated platform. It presents five exhibitions a year, dedicated to both rising and established talent in ceramic art. And it presents a very personal and balanced selection of objects, often balancing on the dividing line between design, art and architecture. Founder Michaël Francken’s personal taste and quirky passion results in a program that combines both high quality 20th century ceramic masters and more contemporary artists working on the balance between abstract, sculptural and architectural work. All bearing witness to craftsmanship and sculptural presence. As a result, Modern Shapes is a progressive and supportive space for emerging and established artists and their objects.

The exhibition will travel to Paris from October 29 – November 15, at Modern Shapes Gallery’s Paris POPUP, 15 Rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris.

Contact
info@modernshapes.com
+32 (0)475 606 391

Address
Modern Shapes Gallery
Kleine Markt 13
2000 Antwerp

Installation photos by Michael Francken.