In recent years, environmentalism has surged to the forefront of societal consciousness, with artists increasingly using their platforms to address climate change and ecological degradation. However, long before these themes became trendy in art, Juan Antonio Guirado was already forging a path in the Environmental art movement. that combined his passion for painting with a deep concern for the environment.
A Visionary Artist Before His Time
Juan Antonio Guirado is notable for his distinct painting style that captures the essence of nature while simultaneously critiquing humanity's impact on it. His environmental paintings delve into themes that resonate deeply within today’s discourse, focusing on the fragile relationship between mankind and the natural world. Long before the current environmental movement gained momentum, Guirado explored these subjects through his art, making his work both pioneering and prescient.
In 2006 Guirado created an art video installation of his most poignant visions of the future of planet Earth and humanity. The video begins with an introduction written by Guirado that describes what he calls 'The Great Experiment of Consciousness'.
“The Great Experiment Of Consciousness” by Juan Antonio Guirado'
Human evolution is now at a precipice created by itself
This same awareness which fought for millions of years to ensure human survival
Finds itself at the threshold of exhausting the planet's resources
Of making its environment once again uninhabitable and creating the instruments of its own destruction.
Ultimately the serious need for material and abuses of human evolution
Converge to create a situation which, in the long term,
We are required to do nothing more than make changes.
We are in a race between self-discovery and self-destruction
The forces that may converge for our destruction are the same that can incite
social and self-discovery…
Inspiration
This video was the inspiration for the Guriado Estate's collaboration with RoomMate Oscar Madrid in February of 2017 with the exhibition 'Environmentalism' curated by Laura Revuelta ( Chief editor of ABC Culture) and Wanda Von Breisky for ARCO art fair Madrid.
Environmentalism
Juan Antonio Guirado's brushstrokes convey a visionary quality as he began addressing environmental issues and the impacts of climate change long before they dominated media coverage, political agendas, and social protest movements. His deep connection and understanding of the natural world's struggles were evident in his early landscapes. During his initial journey from Andalucía to Australia, Guirado discovered a medium to illuminate his canvases, blending spirituality and nature. His sensitivity is fully displayed in his works depicting the daily degradation of the natural environments of land, sea, and air, thus criticizing humanity's often questionable actions.
The works featured in the 2017 exhibition (shown below) portray desolate scenes. The pollution of our oceans with plastic, the chemical contamination and death of our rivers, vital sources of life-sustaining clean water. Scenes of murky, turbulent waters show dark waves consuming both sky and earth. Calcified trees and dying nature reflect the contamination epidemic that devours forests and submerges cities, suffocating flora and fauna. Still lifes depict lifeless subjects, blackened by factory smog. Humanity is depicted amidst a landscape being consumed by its own ignorant progress. In this struggle, Guirado seeks to express his intensity through his brushstrokes, contrasting with his contemporaries by using both art and the passage of time, along with its consequences. Guirado is far from being an artist isolated in his studio.
Undoubtedly, Juan Antonio Guirado aligns his artistry with nature. The avant-garde nature of his painting, method, and understanding of art parallels the forward-thinking subjects he addresses. Today, ecological sustainability and climate change are widely discussed, but Guirado was concerned with these issues long before most, recognizing nature's suffering due to contemporary man's insensitivity, and prioritizing wealth and technology. Overflowing rivers, dying forests, seas expelling their contents—Guirado dedicates his brushstrokes to nature. The selected paintings call for humanity's harmony with nature, as Guirado achieved through his art.
Wanda von Breisky & Laura Revuelta, 2017
Legacy and Impact
Juan Antonio Guirado's dedication to environmental themes set him apart as a visionary artist whose work remains relevant and increasingly important. His ability to blend aesthetic beauty with urgent social commentary positions him as a crucial figure in the discourse surrounding art and environmentalism.
As society grapples with the dire consequences of climate change, Guirado's early advocacy through his art underscores the necessity for artists to engage with global issues. His contributions remind us that art can be a powerful catalyst for awareness and change, encouraging a deeper understanding of our responsibilities to the planet.
In conclusion, Juan Antonio Guirado’s environmental paintings and his impactful 2017 exhibition serve as a testament to the vital role of art in environmental advocacy. By engaging with these themes long before they became mainstream, Guirado not only paved the way for future artists but also challenged us all to reflect on our relationship with nature and the potential for a sustainable future. Through his work, he continues to inspire a profound appreciation for the environment and the urgent need to protect it.
Catalina Guirado, Director; Guirado Estate
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