As 2024 draws to a close, Francisco Valverde’s latest body of work emerges as a defining moment in contemporary art.
In “Chromatic Resonance,” the internationally acclaimed artist unveils a collection of paintings that transcend the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional media. Known for his sculptural use of color and texture, Valverde’s art vibrates with life, creating a vivid, multidimensional experience where color and movement fuse into an evocative sensory landscape.
This exhibition, presented by DTR Modern Gallery, stands as a testament to Valverde’s relentless innovation and his ability to provoke profound emotional and intellectual connections through his work.
Pioneering abstraction with texture
Valverde was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico — a region known for its lush, vibrant landscapes and cultural richness. These early influences are unmistakable in his art, where color is not merely applied but sculpted, layered, and animated into physical presence.
Trained as both an artist and a visual thinker, Valverde’s work fuses the formal rigor of traditional painting with the instinctive energy of experimental abstraction.
His hallmark technique involves layering thick, glossy strands of pigmented resin across his canvases, creating an interplay of order and chaos. These strands often mimic the organic patterns of vines, rivers, or even neural networks while their bold hues pulse with intensity.
By manipulating the viscosity of his materials, Valverde achieves an uncanny sense of movement. The resulting works appear to oscillate, shimmering as the viewer changes perspective, inviting engagement not just with the eyes but with the body’s sense of balance and space.
For Valverde, texture is as much a storytelling device as color. The raised surfaces of his paintings carry an almost sculptural quality, catching light in ways that transform depending on time of day or the observer’s position. This dynamic aspect of his work challenges the notion of painting as a static medium, pushing it closer to an interactive, ever-evolving experience.
An emotional and intellectual journey
The works in “Chromatic Resonance” are more than visual marvels; they are emotional landscapes that demand introspection. Valverde’s controlled chaos — layering bright, unyielding colors over subdued, shadowy bases — creates a visceral tension. These paintings are as much about what is seen as what is hidden, mirroring the complexities of human emotion.
The artist has often described his process as a dialogue with uncertainty. In his studio, there is no predetermined outcome; the act of creating is an exploration of how pigments interact, resist, and eventually harmonize. This approach allows his work to retain an organic spontaneity, yet the final pieces reveal a meticulous mastery of technique.
In the tradition of abstract expressionists, Valverde’s art resists easy interpretation. Instead, it invites viewers to lose themselves in its layers, discovering connections to their own experiences and memories. This openness is part of the magic—an ever-changing narrative that evolves with each observer.
The context of ‘Chromatic Resonance’
In an era where minimalism often reigns, Valverde’s unapologetically bold approach feels both refreshing and daring. His work embodies a rebellion against the subdued, offering instead a celebration of life’s complexity and unpredictability. The exhibition title, Chromatic Resonance, encapsulates this ethos: the vibrations of color and texture that extend beyond the canvas, resonating deeply with viewers on an intuitive level.
As much as his works are grounded in his cultural heritage, they also possess a universal quality. Valverde’s art speaks across boundaries, connecting diverse audiences through the shared language of color and form. This universal resonance has made him a favorite among collectors and institutions alike, solidifying his place as a vital voice in contemporary art.
A year-end celebration of artistic excellence
The timing of “Chromatic Resonance” could not be more fitting. As the year ends, this exhibition offers a moment of reflection and renewal, reminding us of the enduring power of art to inspire and connect. For DTR Modern Gallery, which has long championed artists who push boundaries and provoke thought, this show is a culminating triumph for 2024.
Valverde’s work is a testament to the transformative power of creativity—a bold declaration that art, at its best, is not just seen but experienced.
Join the celebration
The exhibition opens on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second floor of DTR Modern Gallery’s 458 West Broadway location. Valverde will be in attendance, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with the artist and delve deeper into the inspirations and techniques behind his work.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the dynamic interplay of texture, color, and emotion, “Chromatic Resonance” promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Valverde’s art. Visit dtrmodern.com for additional details about the exhibit.
