Riera i Aragó: Timeless Odyssey

Josep Riera i Aragó (Spain, b. 1954), a graduate of the Sant Jordi Academy of Fine Arts, is one of Spain’s most internationally renowned contemporary artists. Based in Barcelona, his work explores the themes of “navigation between the sky and the deep sea,” employing symbols such as propellers, submarines, and airplanes to construct a poetic narrative of time, space, and life. His solo exhibitions have been hosted at prestigious European institutions, including the Heilbronn Municipal Museum in Germany, the Van Gogh Foundation in Arles, and the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona. His works are included in esteemed permanent collections such as the Van Gogh Foundation, the Joan Miró Foundation, and Boeing in Chicago.

The title of the exhibition, Timeless Odyssey, is inspired by Homer’s epic The Odyssey, a tale symbolising humanity’s eternal journey into the unknown. Just as the hero Odysseus embarks on a voyage filled with trials and discoveries, Aragó’s works evoke curiosity about the unknown, contemplation of time, and visions of the future. For Aragó, navigation is not merely a physical act but a metaphorical journey of the spirit. His mechanical symbols—airplanes, propellers, submarines, and ships—transcend their utilitarian functions to become metaphors for the passage of time, life’s journey, and the pursuit of dreams. These symbols traverse imagined realms of time and space, forming an endless poetic voyage.

Aragó’s work is deeply influenced by 20th-century Futurism and Kinetic Art. Futurist artists celebrated speed and dynamism, viewing machines as symbols of societal transformation, while pioneers of Kinetic Art explored the interplay of time and space through dynamic sculptures. Aragó transcends the functionality of machines, turning submarines and propellers into silent witnesses of the passage of time, merging the past, present, and future into a singular moment. His works invite viewers to participate in a profound meditation on existence.

Aragó’s artistic evolution is a journey spanning decades. In the 1970s, in his early works, Aragó focused on documenting daily life using a visual language that captured 365 days of experience. This period laid the foundation for his personal artistic symbols.  In the 1980s, he began exploring themes of machinery and the deep sea, experimenting with lead, zinc, and other metals to create bas-reliefs and sculptures. During this time, he incorporated mechanical components, beach debris, and wood into bronze sculptures. In the 1990s, iconic milestones include Buried Submarine, commissioned for the Barcelona City Hall, Gran avió d’hèlix vermella (Red Propeller Plane), and Submarine on the Wall for the Heilbronn Municipal Museum, as well as Airplane 1.05PM for the Van Gogh Foundation.

In the 21st Century, Aragó has continued to expand his artistic vocabulary, creating sculptures and paintings that express mechanical aesthetics with dynamic simplicity, highlighting themes of balance and movement.

Inspired by the Catalonian school of sculpture, Aragó blends traditional techniques with modern materials, using steel, stone, glass, and ceramics. Speaking about his long-standing fascination with submarines, Aragó notes: “The submarine has been a central theme in my work for over 40 years. The rich texture and infinite hues of bronze allow me to achieve unparalleled sculptural expression. I see it as a symbol of distorted gravity, the pursuit of exploration, or a silent witness to the passage of time and traces of life.” Spanish contemporary art critic Alfonso De La Torre praised Aragó’s work, stating: “Poetic, like a dialogue of allegories and subtle language, Aragó captures fleeting glimmers of light, allowing the finite to glide through the realm of imagination.”

In March 2025, Bluerider ART London·Mayfair presents the exhibition "Riera i Aragó: Timeless Odyssey," the artist’s first solo exhibition in the UK, featuring the artist's recent works. Highlights include《World and Two Airplanes》《Five Golden Airplanes on Black Stains》 and 《White Wing Airplane on Boat》. These works showcase the transformation of mechanical symbols from realism to abstraction, symbolising life’s journey and introspective monologues. The exhibition will also feature a range of small size sculptures that incorporate propellers and tail fins to explore themes of balance and human emotion. 

Josep Riera i Aragó’s artistic journey mirrors Odysseus’s odyssey of wandering and homecoming—a voyage filled with challenges, discoveries, and reflections. His works seamlessly connect abstraction with realism, the tangible with the imaginary, and the individual with the universe. Through this exhibition, viewers are invited to rediscover the aesthetics of mechanics and reflect on the profound narratives of time and existence.

"Riera i Aragó: Timeless Odyssey" - Debut Solo Exhibition in the United Kingdom

Press Preview: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 14:30- 18:00

Opening Reception : Thursday, March 20, 2025 18:00-20:00 (Artist will be present) 

Exhibition Dates: March 20, 2025 - May 18, 2025

Bluerider ART London·Mayfair

47 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4JW

info.uk@blueriderart.com

T: 020-39037827