Miquel Barcelo's '$3.2m' painting could take bull by the horns at Christie's

 

Think of Spain and it is probable that you will also think of bullfighting, as it is a pastime which is still viewed as being indelibly linked to the Mediterranean country.

The sport has inspired many artists because of its raw aggression, none more so than Miquel Barcelo. Taking inspiration from other influential Spanish painters like Pablo Picasso, it is clear to see that there are similar elements used in Barcelo's works.

Take for example his work Faena de Muleta, which is being sold tonight, June 28, in Christie's Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Auction.

The piece, which is expected to sell for between $1,000,000-2,000,000 ($2,397,000-3,196,000), is an abstract work, yet with a very definite meaning.

 


Raw and expressive, Barcelo's work depicts man's struggle against nature

Though at first it may seem to be nothing but wild expression, when you look closer at this piece it becomes apparent that it depicts the epic struggle taking place between man and bull.

The swirling vortex-like arena is at the heart of the painting, shown here almost to be like a hurricane.

Barcelo uses it to show man's fight against nature, and the sheer scale of the work makes it impossible not be drawn into the scene.

It is an amazing work which would make a fine addition to any private collection, or museum for that matter, as well as providing a strong alternative investment.

It is testament to the rising interest in artists like him, as well as contemporaries like Joan Miro and Antoni Tapies, that Barcelo's work features so highly alongside such famous names as Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.

 

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