Is Espacio OM under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

What topics does Espacio OM explore?

red chair, metal frame, wooden seat, grass, building, benches, potted plant

Purchase a giclee of Espacio OM - Contemporary Art

A Dialogue Between Form and Space

In the evocative installation Espacio OM, created in 1999, the Spanish sculptor María Elena Perales invites us into a profound meditation on presence and absence. At first glance, the viewer is met with a striking visual anchor: a large-scale red sculpture of a chair, its vibrant crimson hue commanding immediate attention against the organic textures of the landscape. This piece is not merely an object to be observed but a structural intervention that redefines the relationship between the man-made and the natural world. The chair, featuring a robust metal frame paired with a warm wooden seat, serves as a monumental symbol of human habitation and rest, yet its oversized proportions push it into the realm of the surreal.

The composition unfolds across a serene outdoor setting, where the sculpture sits nestled upon lush green grass, likely within the curated grounds of an art gallery or museum. As the eye wanders from the central red figure, it discovers a rhythmic scattering of other chairs and benches, some drifting into the distance like fading memories. This arrangement creates a sense of a silent, abandoned gathering, evoking a poignant tension between the potential for human interaction and the stillness of the present moment. The inclusion of soft greenery and potted plants provides a delicate counterpoint to the industrial strength of the metalwork, grounding the installation in a living, breathing environment.

The Mastery of Contemporary Sculpture

María Elena Perales, a graduate of the prestigious Puerto Rico School of Visual Arts and the Academia de San Carlos, brings a sophisticated technical lineage to this work. Her ability to blend traditional sculptural foundations with contemporary abstract sensibilities is palpable in Espacio OM. The technique relies on the deliberate contrast of materials—the cold, unyielding nature of metal against the organic, tactile quality of wood. This juxtaposition is a hallmark of her style, allowing her to navigate the complexities of form while maintaining an accessible, emotive core that resonates with both the intellect and the heart.

For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers a profound sense of architectural depth. The way the sculpture interacts with light and shadow, particularly when placed in environments that mimic its original outdoor context, makes it a versatile inspiration for high-end spaces. Whether one is looking to introduce a bold statement piece into a modern gallery setting or seeking a conversation starter for a sophisticated residential lounge, the work embodies a timeless elegance. It serves as a reminder that art is not just something to be looked at, but an atmosphere to be inhabited—a space where the boundaries between the viewer and the viewed begin to dissolve.

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Artist Biography

María Elena Perales Fernández: A Biography

Early Life and Education

María Elena Perales Fernández, a distinguished Spanish sculptor and photographer, was born in 1975 in Saragossa, Spain. Her formative years were deeply influenced by her surroundings, setting the stage for her future artistic endeavors. She pursued higher education at the Puerto Rico School of Visual Arts, earning a degree in both Sculpture and Painting in 1973. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained a Master’s degree from the Academia de San Carlos at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, further honing her skills and expanding her artistic horizons.

Artistic Style and Development

Perales' artistic style is notably characterized by a unique fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary approaches. Her work seamlessly blends elements of abstract and realistic representation, creating pieces that are both thought-provoking and visually captivating. She expertly navigates the complexities of form and texture in her sculptures, while her photographic works demonstrate a keen eye for composition and detail. This distinctive style has allowed her to carve out a unique niche within the Spanish art scene.

Influences

Several prominent artists have shaped Perales’ artistic vision. Cy Twombly's expressive abstraction and gestural mark-making are evident in her approach to form, while Ulrike Maria Ottinger's experimental spirit and exploration of identity resonate within the thematic depth of her work. These influences, combined with her own unique perspective, have resulted in a body of work that is both innovative and deeply personal.

Notable Works and Achievements

While specific individual works are not widely publicized, Perales’ contributions to the art world are significant. Her sculptures and photographic pieces have been exhibited in various museums and galleries, including the esteemed Museum Santa Maria d'Egara. This museum, renowned for its collection of European paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th centuries, provides a fitting context for appreciating Perales’ artistic contributions alongside masters such as Jaume Huguet, Gregorio Fernández, Juan de Arfe, and Juan Bautista Martinez del Mazo. Her work is also featured in the Colección de Arte Syracuse University Art Collection, further solidifying her international recognition.

Historical Significance and Current Practice

María Elena Perales Fernández stands as a prominent figure within contemporary Spanish art. Her ability to synthesize diverse influences and techniques has resulted in a body of work that is both aesthetically compelling and intellectually stimulating. As an artist who continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories, she serves as an inspiration to emerging artists and a valuable contributor to the ongoing evolution of sculpture and photography. She remains actively engaged in her practice, continually refining her vision and expanding her creative output.

Exhibitions & Collections

Museum Santa Maria d'Egara
Colección de Arte Syracuse University Art Collection

perales, maría elena

1975 - , Spain

Quick Facts

Birth Date: 1975
Birth Place: Saragossa, Spain
Influenced By:
- Cy Twombly
- Ulrike Maria Ottinger
Movement:
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Abstract art
- Hyperrealism
Name: María Elena Perales Fernández
Nationality: Spanish

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Perales, María Elena: The Full Collection

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Espacio OM

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Artist Biography

Giclée / Art Print

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White S$1

Blurside S$1

Extended S$1

P118B S$10

P118H S$10

P118W S$10

P438Z S$10

P508JH S$12

P508YH S$12

P805H S$10

P805Z S$10

P919BZ S$10

P919G S$10

P919XJ S$10

P959ZH S$10

P968JZ S$12

W106C S$8

W218G S$10

W218JH S$8

W218Y S$10

W307PJ S$10

W316G S$10

W316PJ S$8

W316Y S$10

W398PJ S$8

W4111J S$10

W500HY S$15

W500JH S$15

W692G S$12

W849H S$8

W940BG S$15

W953PJ S$8

H24-GOLD S$30

H24-SILVER S$30

H36-GOLD S$45

H36-SILVER S$45

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Nameplate

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Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

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S$ 89

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