The artwork titled “Espejo del Duende,” created by Manuel Rivera in 1963, is a piece from the Art Informel movement and falls into the genre of abstract art. The artwork, characterized by a combination of texture, color, and form, manifests Rivera’s exploration of spatial dynamics and materiality.
In “Espejo del Duende,” the artist employs what appears to be layers of mesh or gauze-like material, threaded and bolted together, creating a complex interplay of shadows and highlights. The central form might suggest an abstracted figure or an ambiguous structure, eliciting a sense of mystery. The muted tones of black, grey, and hints of earth tones provide an atmospheric quality, while the vertical orientation and organic forms evoke an otherworldly presence. The utilization of unconventional materials and the emphasis on texture and form over representational accuracy are indicative of the Art Informel movement, which sought to convey emotional intensity and spontaneity. The craftsmanship and abstract nature of the piece prompt viewers to engage with it on an intuitive and interpretive level, inviting contemplation on the interplay between the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the ethereal.