Quick Pic of Positive Geometry
Jake Coleman, scribe.jacob@gmail.com
Many of you know Jorge Blanco’s trio of linear runners dashing in their yellow, zigzag charm through the median on North Tamiami Trail. It’s “positive geometry,” as Blanco defines it, and his vision of imparting energetic happiness is readily perceptive through his chosen palettes that imprint optimism. It’s a stretch to digest his early work in Venezuela being fastened on angst and oppression, but he’s had quite a global journey of unconventional development since his birth in Caracas. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome where he worked as an illustrator and graphic designer; his comic strip “The Castaway (El Náufrago)” was published in major newspapers and magazines in Venezuela, eventually exploding into merchandising, books and television; then he returned to work in sculpting in 1989 and was approaching his work differently, with touches of humor and new materials. When asked about the evolution of his approach, Blanco says: “My work is always evolving. Ever since I began sculpting, I have been in a constant progression. It is changing slowly and someday it might change in a radical way.” Blanco’s sculpting style is distinctive and colorful and has landed him a distinguished international career. In addition to his public works with the States, he’s exhibited in Uruguay, China, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and in Japan many years ago, and he confesses that he tries to travel as much as he can. He will be exhibiting in the upcoming Art Nocturne Knocke, which is one of the most prestigious arts and antiques fairs. Running from August 11th-19th in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, the fair strives for quality and style and the participation of carefully selected contributors from the international forum. The event connects the dialogue between traditional and contemporary art, and by spotlighting investors, the format is designed to be as much a buying fair as an exhibition. Art Nocturne is esteemed in its approach, and it’s complimentary for Blanco to be displayed. “It is an important opportunity to show my sculptures to a different public that might not have the chance to see my work otherwise," Blanco says. "Most important is being exposed to another culture; it always is a learning experience for me, through relationships with different people. As an artist I feel it is crucial to travel and experience other environments.”
