Andrew Salgado, a painter known for his figurative style and literary allusions, has turned his focus to still life in his latest collection. Moving away from his usual narrative techniques, Salgado embraces a more intuitive and spontaneous approach, capturing vibrant bouquets with his distinctive gestural strokes. His canvases burst with color, showcasing floral arrangements in various stages of bloom and decay.
While these still lifes diverge from his typically reference-heavy work, Salgado, an eclectic reader, infuses them with subtle nods to literature and art history. One piece, “The Prince,” is inspired by a novel by Thomas Bernhard, which explores an aristocrat’s descent into paranoia. The painting’s intense blue palette and chaotic flower arrangement reflect the protagonist’s turbulent state of mind.
Another work, “Dear Theo,” features a vibrant cluster of sunflowers, evoking the spirit of Vincent van Gogh. A note in the painting’s corner is addressed to Theo, van Gogh’s brother and financial supporter, echoing Vincent’s words: “To be sufficiently heated up to melt those golds and those flower tones, not just anybody can do that. It takes an individual’s whole and entire energy and attention.”
This emphasis on energy and attention is central to Salgado’s collection. Rejecting a strict, predetermined method, he allows thoughts and associations to guide both his creativity and his brush.
Glory! will be exhibited from July 16 to August 15 at BEERS London. Follow Salgado’s journey on Instagram.
