In contrast to other anonymous cityscapes, Gran Vía (1974–81) is the portrait of a unique place. Beneath the clock that marks 6:30 a.m., the city is a deserted scene. Antonio López does not aim to exclude the human figure but focuses on the description of that which is motionless and postpones (indefinitely) work on that which moves (figures, automobiles, clouds). .
In recent years, Antonio has returned to the “scene of the crime” with a whole series of views of the Gran Vía boulevard that are different from his now classic painting. They are presented from an elevated point of view and deploy not linear but curvilinear perspective, a feature that, together with the presence of the balcony or terrace where the artist works, imparts vertiginousness to the image. The artist has worked on these new Gran Vías up to the very moment of the inauguration of our exhibition and they are works in progress..
-
- Gran Vía, 1974-1981. Oil on board. 93.5 x 90.5 cm. Private collection. © Antonio López. VEGAP. Madrid, 2011.
-
- Gran Vía, 1 August, 7:30 a.m, 2009-2011. Oil on canvas. 130 x 130 cm. Artist’s collection. © Antonio López. VEGAP. Madrid, 2011.
-
- Gran Vía, 1 August, 1:45 p.m., 2010-2011. Oil on canvas. 130 x 120 cm. Artist’s collection. © Antonio López. VEGAP. Madrid, 2011.