EXHIBITION // JAIME URDIALES - INTERSTATE 88 // GUY HEPNER // NEW YORK

© Jaime Urdiales - Interstate 88 - Guy Hepner, New York

Jaime Urdiales - Interstate 88 - 08 Aug. 08 Sept. 2024

Guy Hepner
521 W 26th Street
New York, NY 10001, USA

https://guyhepner.com

"My art is not merely an elegy for the past. It is a reflection on the complexities of contemporary life—the dizzying pace of change, the contradictions of progress, and the lingering nostalgia for a simpler, more tangible existence."

Jaime Urdiales, born in 1994 in Spain, is a contemporary artist whose evocative works capture the intersection of nostalgia and urban life. Raised in the tranquil, mountainous village of Losar De la Vera, Urdiales' early years were steeped in the serene rhythms of countryside living. These formative experiences, combined with a passion for classic Hollywood cinema, instilled in him a romanticized vision of the lifestyle depicted in films.

In preparation for his new body of work, Urdiales relocated to New York City, where he found a resurgence of influences. Interstate 88 signifies both a literal and conceptual journey he has undertaken. In his pursuit of harmony and balance, the exhibition unfolds the varying ups and downs Urdiales experienced during his time in New York.

Interstate 88 captures the ephemeral beauty of the everyday, infusing ordinary subjects with a sense of extraordinary significance. His depictions of forgotten neon signs pay tribute to the vibrant energy of city life, transporting viewers to an era where these luminous symbols were the icons of urban culture. His work is a testament to his ability to transform fleeting moments into enduring works of art, celebrating the visual history of both past and present.

Urdiales is captivated by the nostalgic charm of yesteryears, particularly the neon signs that once adorned city streets like beacons of promise and the vibrant street advertising that painted urban landscapes with color and character. These icons of American culture are fading into obscurity, overshadowed by the relentless march of time and technological progress.

In his work, Urdiales strives to evoke a sense of longing for these vanishing symbols while also critiquing the societal shifts that contribute to their demise. The neon glow that once defined the nocturnal cityscape now flickers faintly in the corners of memory, replaced by LED screens and digital billboards that lack the warmth and character of their predecessors.

However, Urdiales' art is not merely an elegy for the past. It is a reflection on the complexities of contemporary life—the dizzying pace of change, the contradictions of progress, and the lingering nostalgia for a simpler, more tangible existence.

At the heart of Urdiales' creations is the desire for viewers to see themselves in his work. This exhibition is a celebration of the simplicity of love and the honesty of human feelings—those raw, unfiltered emotions that resonate universally. Urdiales believes that art doesn’t need to be complicated or obscure to be profound. Sometimes, the simplest expressions are the most powerful. This collection, marked by its romanticism and depth, represents a significant evolution in his artistic journey.