“Geografía Abstracta”: Celebrating 48 Years of Artistic Exploration at Graphicart Gallery
In a vibrant celebration of its 48th anniversary, Galería Graphicart presents the exhibition “Geografía Abstracta: 48 Años de Exploración Artística en Venezuela” at the newly inaugurated SAGA Cultural Space in Caracas. The exhibition, which opened on November 30, 2024, features a stunning collection of works that reflect the rich history of Venezuelan abstract geometric art and its ongoing influence in the country’s artistic landscape.
“Geografía Abstracta” pays tribute to the role of abstraction in shaping Venezuelan identity, particularly through geometric abstraction, constructivism, kinetic art, and op art. These movements, which distanced themselves from figurative representation to embrace the purity of geometric forms, have been central to Venezuela’s art history. Curated by Verónica Liprandi, the exhibition highlights the contributions of 48 artists whose work has been closely tied to the gallery since its inception in 1976.
The gallery’s founder and director, Magdalena Arria, proudly reflects on the legacy of Graphicart, a space that has long championed the development and promotion of geometric abstraction. Over the decades, Graphicart has become a vital institution in Venezuelan art, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists. The gallery’s evolution, from its early days as Graphic/CB2 in the Parque Central complex to its current location in the La Hacienda building, marks a trajectory of consistent growth and influence within the artistic community.
The exhibition serves as a collective exploration of the history and significance of geometric abstraction in Venezuela, with a special tribute to Edgar Guinand—a key figure in Venezuelan art whose work has been associated with the gallery since its early years. Guinand’s unique vision, showcased in monumental and ethereal works, continues to inspire generations of artists. His contributions to global art dialogues, including participation in the Biennale di Venezia and exhibitions in Berlin and Paris, underscore his pivotal role in elevating Venezuelan artists to international recognition.
In addition to honoring historical figures, the exhibition embraces innovation through a new immersive virtual reality experience developed in collaboration with K44. This forward-thinking initiative allows visitors to engage with the art in an entirely novel way, transcending physical barriers and redefining how audiences interact with works of art. The incorporation of virtual reality highlights Graphicart’s commitment to evolving and pushing the boundaries of art presentation.
The curatorial vision behind “Geografía Abstracta” also emphasizes the importance of collective memory. As Liprandi notes in the exhibition text, the show reflects Venezuela’s artistic heritage while celebrating the enduring relevance of geometric languages, which continue to influence contemporary practice.
As the exhibition runs through February 2025 at the SAGA Cultural Space in Paseo El Hatillo, visitors are invited to engage with the past and present of Venezuelan art in a dynamic space that blends history, innovation, and cultural celebration. “Geografía Abstracta” is more than just an exhibition; it is a profound exploration of identity, community, and artistic evolution, marking a significant moment for the Venezuelan art scene.
The legacy of Graphicart and its role in shaping Venezuelan abstract art is undeniable. In Magdalena Arria’s words, the gallery is not just a space for exhibitions but a “cultural institution” that has nurtured and celebrated the abstract tradition in Venezuela for nearly half a century. “Geografía Abstracta” is a fitting tribute to that enduring legacy, continuing to inspire artists and audiences alike.
List of Selected Solo Exhibitions
GRAPHIC/CB2
1976: Colette Dupriez (France 1945)
Opening of Graphic/CB2 on 12/12/1976
1977: Francisco Salazar (Monagas 1937 – 2019)
1978: Gian Marino Grassi (Italy 1943)
1978: Manuel Mérida (Valencia 1939)
1978: Julio Le Parc (Argentina 1928)
1979: Rogelio Polesello (Argentina 1939 – 2014)
1979: Edgar Guinand (Caracas 1943)
1980: Asdrúbal Colmenares (Trujillo 1936)
1980: Morales Rossi (Argentina)
1982: Jorge Zerep (Valencia 1947 – 2012)
1982: Pérez Flores (Valera 1933 – 2022)
1983: JJ Moros (Caracas 1950 – 1974)
1985: Edgar Negret (Colombia 1920 – 2012)
1986: María Arvelaez (Caracas)
1986: Octavio Herrera (Carabobo 1952 – 2021 Paris)
1988: Esteban Castillo (Barquisimeto 1941)
1990: César Andrade (Guárico 1939 – 2022 Paris)
1990: Saturu Sato (Japan 1945)
1990: Daniel de Spirit (France 1949)
1991: William Barbosa (Colombia 1955)
1991: Alberto Riaño (Colombia 1958-2006)
1991: Nanin García (Caracas 1952)
1992: Carlos Cruz-Diez (Caracas 1923 – 2019 France)
Rafael Barrios (USA 1947)
Zerep (Valencia 1947- 2012)
1993: Francisco Sobrino (Mexico 1932 – 2014 France)
1994: Rafael Barrios (Louisiana, USA 1947)
1994: Joaquin La Torraca (Carabobo 1952)
1994: Octavio Herrera (Carabobo 1952 – 2021 Paris)
1994: Oswaldo Subero (Caracas 1934 – 2016)
1995: Martin Morales (Mérida 1951)
1996: Germán Botero (Colombia 1946)
1997: Omar Carreño (Porlamar 1927 – 2013)
1998: Oswaldo Subero (Caracas 1934 – 2016)
1999: Luis Millé (Caracas 1967)
GRAPHIC GALLERY
2000: Joel Casique (San Cristóbal 1958-2010)
2001: Cristina Colichón (Peru)
2001: Luis Millé (Caracas 1967)
Octavio Herrera (Carabobo 1952 – 2021 Paris)
2003: Manuel Mérida (Valencia 1939)
GRAPHICART 2005
2005: Luis Millé (Caracas 1967)
Opening of Graphicart on 05/04/2005
2006: Nanin García (Caracas 1952)
2010: Marta Rodriguez (Caracas 1956)
2010: Saverio Cecere (Italy 1951)
Ángel Hernández (Caracas 1944-2024)
2011: Abel Ventoso (Argentina 1975)
2011: Ania Borzobohaty (Paris 1972)
2012: Pedro Fermín (Carúpano 1950)
2012: Joaquin La Torraca (Carabobo 1952)
2013: Saverio Cecere (Italy 1951)
2014: Ani Villanueva (Caracas 1954)
2014: Héctor Ramírez (Monagas 1955)
2015: Nanin García (Caracas 1952)
2015: Alberto José Sánchez (Caracas 1979)
2016: India Serena (Nueva Esparta 1985)
2016-17: Gisseline Amiuny (Caracas 1962)
2017: Roberto Borberg (Caracas 1985)
2017: Antonio Rico García (Caracas 1970)
2018: Nanin García (Caracas 1952)
2018: Ignacio Monque (Caracas 1960 – 2016)
2018: José Roberto Arraiz (Caracas 1975)
2018: Juan Urbina (Caracas 1955)
2019: María Elisa Pifano (Barquisimeto 1958)
2021: Alberto José Sánchez (Caracas 1979)
2022: Mechi di Tulio (Rio de Janeiro 1965)
2022: María Angélica Viso (Caracas 1971)
2022: Alessandro del Vecchio (Caracas 1988)
2023: India Serena (Nueva Esparta 1985)
2023: Claudia Lavegas (Caracas 1968)
2023: Inés Silva (Caracas 1970)
2023: Marcos Salazar Delfino (Caracas 1948)
2024: Arturo Quintero (Caracas 1964)
2024: Carmela Fenice (Caracas 1962)
Kike Hurtado (Caracas 1962)
Donaldo Barros (Caracas 1962)
2025: Miguel Prypchan (Caracas 1974)
