Manuel Solbes Arjona (1945) - Poésie abstraite - NO RESERVE

Manuel Solbes Arjona (1945) Abstract composition with grafisms and chromatic elements Mixed media on textile support – Work signed Interesting small-format work by the Valencian artist Manuel Solbes Arjona (1945), representative of contemporary expressive abstraction and a figure linked to the renewal of the plastic arts in the province of Alicante. The composition presents a delicate combination of spontaneous grafisms, linear strokes, and colored blotches, developed on a light textile surface whose weave texture takes on a significant visual prominence. The work stands out for its apparent compositional simplicity and for the freedom with which the artist articulates the different pictorial elements, building a language of gestural, intuitive, and deeply personal character. The pink, yellow, blue, and green colors are distributed through small chromatic zones, while the black and bluish lines introduce signs, curves, and structures that suggest forms without defining a conventional figurative representation. The result is an intimate and experimental composition that allows appreciation of the artist’s sensitivity to the expressive possibilities of color, gesture, and matter. The artist: Manuel Solbes Arjona (1945) Manuel Solbes Arjona, born in Alcoy in 1945, is a Valencian visual artist whose career is closely linked to abstract painting, gestural expressionism, and chromatic experimentation. He began his artistic training in Alcoy, developing from early on a marked interest in plastic creation and in artistic languages distant from academic conventions. Throughout his career, Solbes Arjona has developed a production characterized by expressive freedom, color research, and the use of pictorial resources of spontaneous nature. His work is related to the abstract tendencies that gained particular importance during the second half of the 20th century, particularly with abstract expressionism and certain manifestations of European informalism. The artist has shown a constant interest in the relationship between gesture, the pictorial surface, and emotional expression. In numerous compositions, color takes on a fundamental role, while forms are organized by free strokes, blotches, and abstract structures. His career includes experiences and artistic activities developed in different Spanish cities and abroad, as well as numerous individual and collective exhibitions. Among the highlights of his career is his participation in exhibitions held in New York and in various cultural spaces of the Valencian Community. In 2012, the Lonja del Pescado in Alicante hosted a wide showing devoted to his pictorial production. Solbes Arjona’s career has also been the subject of publications and studies, including the biographical book La cadira de l'artista indòmit, written by Ester Vizcarra and published in 2024. His work constitutes a personal manifestation of contemporary Valencian abstraction, characterized by experimentation and the search for a language of his own. Description of the work The composition unfolds on a light-toned textile surface, on which the weave texture remains clearly visible. The artist uses this background as an integral part of the piece, allowing its texture to dialogue with the different graphic and chromatic elements. In the central area there appears an abstract structure formed by color blotches and lines of different thicknesses. The pink and yellow tones occupy much of the central space, while small blue and green accents introduce chromatic contrasts. In the upper part, an irregular blue, pink, and yellow-toned form is partially delimited by dark strokes. To its right appear green lines and small yellow elements that add dynamism. In the central zone, different pink, reddish, and yellow blotches partially overlap, creating an organic-character structure. The composition extends downward through black and blue lines, some curved and others angular. These elements introduce a sense of movement and spontaneity. A diagonal line crosses much of the surface, establishing a visual relationship between the lower and upper areas. Thus the artist combines chromatic elements with a light appearance with more defined grafisms. The absence of a concrete figurative representation allows the viewer to freely interpret the relationships between the different forms. Style and artistic influences The work relates to gestural abstraction and informalism, two fundamental currents in the development of European contemporary art. Gestural abstraction gives particular importance to the movement of the hand and the spontaneity of the stroke. In this artistic language, lines and color blotches do not need to represent recognizable objects, but can acquire autonomous expressive value. The present composition shows affinities with these approaches through the use of free grafisms and the intuitive distribution of color. It also presents characteristics close to certain manifestations of graphic automatism, understood as a creative procedure that favors the spontaneous appearance of shapes and signs. Curved lines, small geometric elements, and color blotches seem to respond to an intuitive organization. The work also shows a sensitivity close to lyrical abstraction, especially due to the delicacy of its palette and the lightness of its composition. Unlike large-format, highly tactile abstract expressions, this piece develops a more intimate and contained language. The artist seems to emphasize the relationship between empty space and the graphic elements. The result is an experimental composition in which gesture and color are the main expressive resources. Color as an expressive element One of the most interesting aspects of the work is the use of a relatively reduced but highly sensitive color palette. Roses, yellows, blues, and greens appear distributed through small blotches and strokes. The pink tones bring softness and luminosity to the composition. The yellows introduce warm accents that contrast with the blues and greens. The dark strokes help visually organize the different elements. The light surface of the support allows the colors to stand out without occupying large areas. This chromatic economy reinforces the sense of lightness. The artist uses color as an autonomous element, not subjecting it to naturalistic representation. The relationship between the blotches and the grafisms creates a balanced composition, in which each element preserves its own identity. Gesture and graphic language The presence of numerous lines and signs is one of the most distinctive features of the work. The strokes have different directions, thicknesses, and trajectories. Some are resolved with smooth curves, while others show angular structures. This variety introduces a visual rhythm that traverses the composition. The lines do not necessarily delimit concrete objects, but function as independent expressive elements. In certain areas, the grafisms seem to approach organic shapes or signs of symbolic character. However, the work retains an essentially abstract nature. The combination of lines and chromatic blotches generates a language close to visual writing. This resource can be related to certain investigations developed by European abstract artists during the second half of the 20th century. In the present piece, the grafisms acquire an intimate and spontaneous dimension, reinforced by the small format of the composition. The importance of the textile support A particularly interesting feature of this work is the use of a textile surface with a marked weave. The fabric presents a regular structure that remains visible between the color blotches and strokes. This texture introduces a material component that differentiates the piece from a painting executed on a completely smooth surface. The support does not act only as a base, but participates visually in the composition. The interaction between the textile weave and the painting materials generates a surface of notable interest. The color blotches seem to integrate partially into the texture, while certain dark strokes stand out more intensely. The use of diverse supports and materials is a frequent resource within contemporary artistic practices. In this case, choosing a textile surface reinforces the experimental and personal character of the composition. Composition and visual balance The work presents a vertical composition organized around a central set of signs and chromatic blotches. The elements are distributed mainly in the central half of the support, leaving broad areas of light background. This arrangement generates a sense of open space. The upper grafisms introduce a light structure, while the lower lines provide stability. The presence of diagonal strokes contributes to creating movement. Small chromatic accents establish visual relationships between different zones of the surface. The artist avoids a strictly geometric organization, favoring an intuitive composition. The result is a dynamic yet visually balanced work. Signature and inscriptions In the bottom left, a handwritten signature reads “Solbes,” accompanied by other signs or notes. In the bottom right, there is also a handwritten inscription that is partially difficult to read, which could correspond to a dedication. These inscriptions are part of the presentation of the work and constitute items of documentary interest. Reading them in full would require a higher-detail photograph. Frame and presentation The work is framed with a dark wooden frame, simple lines and a traditional finish. The frame includes a wide green mat that creates an attractive contrast with the light surface of the composition. A slim inner golden moulding delineates the piece. The combination of the dark frame, the dark-green mat, and the light background helps highlight the small chromatic accents and grafisms. The set offers an elegant presentation, especially suitable for a small-format abstract work. The frame is offered as a gift to the buyer, with no commercial value, and is not an integral part of the work, so any possible damage to it will not be grounds for complaint. It is recommended to carefully observe all photographs, which are an integral part of the description, to adequately assess the condition of the work and its framing. Characteristics Artist: Manuel Solbes Arjona (1945). School: contemporary Valencian. Technique: mixed media on textile support, material pending confirmation. Style: gestural abstraction, with affinities to informalism and lyrical abstraction. Theme: abstract composition with grafisms and chromatic blotches. Signature: Solbes, in the lower left area. Inscriptions: handwritten notes on the lower part. Presentation: framed with a dark-green mat. Shipping The work will be carefully and professionally packaged, using suitable protective materials to ensure its safety during transport. Shipments to destinations outside the European Union may be subject to taxes, duties, import charges, clearance costs, and/or customs procedures. These potential costs will be the sole responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the purchase price or shipping costs. Also, shipments to islands, insular territories, or remote or hard-to-access areas may incur additional charges. Any surcharge applied by the carrier for this reason must be borne by the buyer. Buyers are advised to check in advance the customs conditions and any transport surcharges applicable to their destination.

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