Lino Lago: Fake Abstract

Solana Beach, California – Madison Gallery presents noted Spanish artist Lino Lago's first North American solo exhibition of his ongoing series, Fake Abstract.

This exhibition focuses on original works from Lino Lago’s ongoing, Fake Abstract series in which Lago explores a language distinctly his own, referencing traditional portraiture of bygone eras “abstracted” with contemporary minimalism.  Within the entire “Fake Abstract” series we can see versions of classical painters’ female portraits painted with traditional form. But we can only see a part of them through an abstract line over a solid color background. In other works geometric figures of screaming colors appear overlapping the portrait. A realistic part contrasts with another - an abstract one, but these do not mix, they remain clearly differentiated. All of my paintings represent a fight of a realistic standard with an abstract one. In one side stands the tradition, and in the other - its negation, the novelty or the revolution.

“My intention upon utilizing the word “Fake” in the title of this series of paintings follows the wake of a certain precaution in the moment of interpreting them. The works present themselves to us ironically and with humor as if they were a scam. Evidently - they are not abstract, but what are they then?”- Lino Lago

Founded in 2001, Madison Gallery is committed to representing emerging, mid-career and established international artists whom work in a range of media. Inspired by an earnest dedication and passion for art, the gallery consistently exhibits a high standard of contemporary art. Madison Gallery works closely in building private, corporate and public collections thus placing it amongst the leading contemporary galleries in California. Blouin Modern Painters Magazine has recognized our program for the fifth year in a row as one of the Top 500 galleries worldwide.