Coming soon - URBO exhibition at St Ethelburga -
Coming soon - URBO exhibition at St Ethelburga -
Introduction
URBO - Urban Bodies - An art exhibition about the intricate connections between the anatomical and cultural identities of the human bodies within the contemporary urban environment.
Juan Oyarbide's inaugural solo exhibition as a painter, titled Urban Bodies ( URBO), showcases a captivating collection of 20 art pieces crafted between 2012 and 2022. This comprehensive display encompasses a diverse range of artworks, spanning from intricate pencil drawings to expansive murals. Notably, among these exhibits is a remarkable 6x7m canvas piece portraying the URBO mural.
The central theme explored throughout URBO revolves around the interplay between human nature and the urban landscape. The project delves into the intricate connections between anatomical and cultural aspects of the human body, considering how these elements manifest within the cityscape, which has become our new natural environment.
To enhance the viewer's experience, the exhibition incorporates audiovisual content, presenting the studies and sketches that have played a pivotal role in Oyarbide's artistic process during this pictorial journey.
URBO comes to life in London first, aiming to then travel to Athens and San Sebastian. These three distinct cities, each situated in different countries with unique cultural landscapes, form the cornerstone of this creation. The vibrant and diverse art scene in London, the blend of Mediterranean mythology and painting in Athens, and the rich artistic tradition of Basque and Spanish art found in San Sebastian, all converge to shape the essence of URBO. It is within this fundamental triangle that the creative vision of Juan Oyarbide flourished, drawing inspiration from these multifaceted cultural and artistic backgrounds.
Exhibitions
London 2025
The project takes the form of a public art exhibition located at the heart of the City of London, designed to be accessible to all with free entry. This exhibition will showcase a diverse collection of paintings of various scales, inviting the public to engage with and explore their relationship with the city, their perceptions of human anatomy, and to become integral to the creative energy of London. We seek to gather feedback from visitors on both the artwork and their overall experience. Situated at 78 Bishopsgate in the heart of the City of London, St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace stands as a symbol of harmony and understanding.
St Ethelburga was originally erected in 1250 A.D., the church survived the Great Fire of 1666 and the bombings of the 1940s. However, tragedy struck in 1993 when an IRA bomb nearly razed the church to the ground. In response to this act of destruction, a charitable initiative was established to raise funds for the church's reconstruction, with a renewed vision of serving as a haven for reconciliation and peace. In 2006, the doors of the reconstructed church were opened, offering solace and tranquility to all who enter. The majestic Nave, adorned with soaring ceilings, original arches, and a captivating stained glass window, provides an exquisite setting for a variety of events. Whether hosting art exhibitions or other gatherings, the Nave's rich history and evocative ambiance create a truly enchanting atmosphere that captivates all who step inside.
Athens and San Sebastian
Following the exhibition in London, the collection will visit Athens and San Sebastian. These three distinct cities with unique cultural landscapes, formed the point of departure of the artistic explorations and stand as the proposed locations of the travelling exhibition. The vibrant and diverse art scene of London, the blend of Mediterranean mythology provide by Greece, and the rich artistic tradition of the Spanish and Basque art - all converge to shape what constitutes the ‘Urban Bodies’
