NIMBUS INVERSA

2013, Hand-made Lacquered Steel, Ed. P/A, 24 x 51 cm

 

Born in 1947, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USA)

 

EN

Rafael Barrios is a Venezuelan sculptor and one of the most renowned figures in the kinetic art movement. Born in 1947 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he spent his early years in Caracas, Venezuela. Barrios began his career as a sculptor in the early 1970s and quickly became known for his playful, geometric forms that challenged traditional notions of sculpture.

Barrios' work can be found in public collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. In 1975, he had his first major exhibition at the Sala Mendoza in Caracas, Venezuela, which established his reputation as a leading figure in the kinetic art movement.

Barrios' kinetic sculptures are characterized by their dynamic movement and use of bright colors and geometric shapes. His works often incorporate mirrors and other reflective surfaces, which reflect and refract light to create complex patterns of movement and color. Barrios' sculptures are not only visually stunning but also invite the viewer to interact with them, encouraging a sense of playfulness and exploration.

Barrios has exhibited his work in solo and group shows at some of the world's most prestigious art institutions, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. His sculptures have also been featured in public art installations in cities around the world, including Miami, Madrid, and Singapore.

Barrios' role in the kinetic art movement has been significant. He was part of a generation of artists who challenged traditional notions of sculpture and pushed the boundaries of what was possible with form and movement. His work has inspired countless artists and continues to be celebrated for its innovative use of color, light, and movement.

Overall, Rafael Barrios' contributions to the world of art have been significant, and his legacy as a kinetic sculptor continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists around the world.

Exhibitions

 

 

PERMANENT COLLECTIONS

 

Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada

 

Carmen Lamanna Foundation, Toronto, Canada

 

Museo de Esculturas al aire libre, Alcalá de Henares, Spain

 

Galería de Arte Nacional, Caracas, Venezuela

 

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Sofia Imber, Caracas, Venezuela

 

 

 

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

 

Don Juan Carlos de Borbón, King of Spain 

 

Gloria Von Untaxis, Princess of Germany 

 

Movilnet, Caracas, Venezuela 

 

World Bank, Caracas, Venezuela 

 

Jesús Soto

 

Fundación Cultural Chacao, Caracas, Venezuela 

 

Citgo, Thompson Brothers, Houston, Texas, USA

 

Electricidad de Caracas, Venezuela 

 

Banco Mercantil, Caracas, Venezuela 

 

Art et Industrie Gallery, New York, USA 

 

Coca-Cola International, New York, EEUU

 

Gustavo and Patricia Cisneros 

 

Miguel Haussman 

 

Eduardo Bolber 

 

Carlos and Mercedes Zuloaga 

 

Juan Carlos Escotet 

 

Procter & Gamble, Caracas, Venezuela

 

Kazumi Yoshida

 

Skuli Mogensen, WOWAir, Reykjavik, Iceland 

 

Dimensional Fund Advisors, Austin, Texas 

 

Robert and Soledad Hurst, Aspen, Colorado 

 

Hidalgo Socorro

 

Braulio Perez