COMMENTS
SOLO EXHIBITION
“Shapes and patinas are the elements with which the artist builds suggestive worlds brimming with tribal color. All of his series share a force that compels us to go back to the origins of the Whole, to the genesis of the birth of life. From what he shows us, we could say that the artist works with his eyes closed, letting his soul guide his hands, so that ethnic universes emerge, poems strung together in the hours of the night, when the ceramic poet dialogues with the gods of old Europe to create pieces of infinite organic beauty. So much emotional force, so well channeled, and so much sensitivity inherent to Carlos Cabo are solid arguments for continuing unstoppably on the path of ceramic art, to enrich it and enrich himself, to engage in dialogues with other artists who are already references in this universe of ceramics – so passionate – so that he may continue to guide the viewer towards the genuine essence of the earth.”
Ricardo F. (Exhibition “Dreaming the Sea”. Cultural Factory. Avilés. 2017)
SOLO EXHIBITION
“The life of matter, the history of forms, slides our gaze through its nooks and crannies to envelop us in the abstract reflection of losing ourselves in its textures. It is this simplicity, so deep and transcendent, that we find at the core of Carlos Cabo’s creative activity. It is the energy that his works generate and that rocks us between them. Ancestral and ritual, past and present. That catches us and invites us to return to it, that leaves us suspended in its calm, in its silence and in the truth of an aesthetic journey of inexhaustible nuances and irrepressible sensitivity.” “
Ana González. (Exhibition “Forms and Textures.” Valdecarzana Palace. Avilés. 2019)”
COMMENT ON INSTAGRAM
This isn’t just art; it’s a time capsule waiting to explode in the art world. A retired French teacher, finding his true calling in the whispers of clay and fire. Carlos doesn’t just shape ceramics; he breathes life into them. His pieces? They’re more than art. They’re silent storytellers echoing ancient Roman techniques while whispering modern tales. Now, why am I hyped about these stoneware pieces? Because they’re a bridge. A bridge between the past and future. Between tradition and innovation. And that’s where magic happens in art. Carlos’s journey alone is a masterclass in transformation. A teacher turned sculptor, a seeker of textures since childhood, now turning Valderas’ clay into art that speaks. But here’s the real twist. These unique pieces aren’t just art; they’re a forecast of where ceramics are headed. They’re bold, they’re raw, and they’re telling stories we’ve never heard before.
ArtHunter (Comment arthunter.me Instagram) 25 enero 2024
THE SINGING CLAY FIGURES OF CARLOS CABO: A FUSION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Carlos Cabo, an artist known for his captivating ceramic creations, weaves magic into his work with garments of exquisite texture and richness. These ceramic figures, which have been recognized before, demonstrate the versatility of clay as a medium. The figures are distinctively tall and slender, each adorned in a variety of styles that include tunics with buttons, elegant dresses, neckties, and various hats. Their uniqueness is further amplified by a common, mesmerizing feature: all figures are sculpted with their mouths wide open, as if singing harmoniously towards the heavens.
Cabo’s process of creating these figures begins in the tranquil countryside surrounding his home in Salinas, Spain. Here, he gathers the raw clay, which he then skillfully molds into figures resembling columns and various geometric shapes. He pays special attention to the texture of his creations, considering it the ‘skin’ of the piece. This approach not only highlights the individuality of each figure but also underscores the collective harmony and unity among them.
Cabo’s work is deeply rooted in the rich artistic traditions of Spain. Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, has a long and diverse history of art and culture. From the cave paintings of Altamira to the masterpieces of Picasso, Spanish art has always been a significant contributor to the global art scene. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Spain are approximately 40.4637° N, 3.7492° W. Its Mediterranean climate, vibrant history, and cultural diversity have influenced many artists over the centuries. The artist’s choice of Salinas as his workspace is also noteworthy. Salinas, a small town in Spain, offers a serene environment that is ideal for the creative process. The town’s coordinates are approximately 43.4930° N, 5.9301° W. Such locations are often chosen by artists for their tranquility and inspiration.
Cabo’s art, while unique in its execution, draws on various artistic traditions. The use of clay links his work to the long history of ceramics in Spain, which dates back to the Roman times. Spanish ceramics, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, have evolved over centuries, incorporating various cultural influences. In contemporary art, the use of ceramics has seen a resurgence, with artists like Cabo exploring its potential beyond traditional boundaries. His work not only showcases the material’s versatility but also its ability to convey emotions and narratives. The open-mouthed singing posture of his figures, for instance, can be interpreted as a symbol of freedom, expression, or a connection to the divine. Further exploration of Cabo’s work can be done through his online presence. His website and Instagram account provide a deeper insight into his artistic journey, showcasing his latest creations and the processes behind them. These platforms not only display his art but also connect him with a global audience, allowing art enthusiasts from around the world to engage with his work.
In summary, Carlos Cabo’s ceramic figures are a testament to the artistic potential of clay. His approach of blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes results in artworks that are both individualistic and unified. The serene environment of Salinas, Spain, along with its rich cultural heritage, plays a significant role in his creative process. Cabo’s work stands as a modern representation of Spain’s artistic legacy, demonstrating the enduring relevance and adaptability of ceramic art.
Key takeaways from this exploration of Carlos Cabo’s work include: The unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles in his ceramic figures. The significance of texture in differentiating and unifying his artworks. The influence of Spain’s rich cultural and artistic heritage on his work. The importance of the serene environment of Salinas in fostering creativity. The role of digital platforms in bringing global recognition to contemporary artists. Cabo’s art not only contributes to the rich tapestry of Spanish art but also inspires new explorations in the realm of ceramic artistry.
FREEYORK ART by Archie Hayes 2023-12-06
A DIVERSE ARRAY OF TEXTURES CLOAK ABSTRACT AND FIGURATIVE CERAMICS BY ARTIST CARLOS CABO
More than form or color, texture is what preoccupies Carlos Cabo as he sculpts. The Spanish artist, who lives and works in Salinas, is drawn to the tactile qualities of clay and the possibilities inherent in its malleability. Texture “is what gives (a work) personality, what individualizes it, and essentially differentiates it from other similar pieces,” he says. “I would dare to say that the texture is more than the skin of the piece. It is the representation of its genetic code.”
From masses of the natural material sourced from the countryside, he shapes tall, slender figures wearing pocked gowns, abstract pieces that twist upward, and minimal owl-like creatures, some with sleek feathers and others with rough, bumpy plumage. Each ceramic piece is carefully molded, fired, and covered in terra sigillata, the lustrous clay slip coating that functions similarly to a glaze while not masking the texture of the sculpture’s surface. In a note to Colossal, Cabo shares that his desire to vary the tactile parts of his practice stems from his childhood. He explains:
I grew up in a rural environment, in which we children spent a lot of time outdoors, in permanent contact with endless objects that served to accumulate a lot of tactile experiences in my memory. On the other hand, in my town, there was no electricity during the day. This came to the houses when it got dark and, sometimes, well into the night, which forced us to wander around it using our sense of feeling and touch… I came to know all the imperfections of the walls, the geometry of the doors, and the location of things.
To explore more of Cabo’s body of work, visit his site and Instagram.
COLOSSAL ART. By Grace Ebert. July 18, 2022
