Artist: Esther Miquel
Exhibition title: Silent Noise
Venue: Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca, Spain
Date: June 8 – September 11, 2023
Photography: Grimalt de Blanch / all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca
Fran Reus Gallery presents “Silent noise”, Esther Miquel’s first solo exhibition, after being selected in the open call Panorama #6. For this project, the artist presents a series of newly produced paintings, following the theoretical line that characterises her, the minimalism of forms and the search for minimal expression.
“Silent noise” is a contradictory expression that refers to the perception of noise or activity in an environment that appears to be silent. Although the term “noise” is usually associated with loud, audible sounds, in this case, it is used to describe something that cannot be heard conventionally, but still has a perceptible impact or presence. It can refer to disturbances or hidden elements that create a sense of unease or activity in a quiet environment. It is a way of conveying the idea that there is something going on in silence, but that it is still relevant or significant.
The exhibition is made up of seven works, five of which are predominantly white and two of which are set against a black background, creating an atmosphere conducive to introspection. In each painting, the gestural interventions are minimal, applied from intuition. Each work captures the idea of a hidden activity or noise that occurs in an apparently silent environment – the mind – but it is also presented as an opportunity to practice observation and access an artwork in a totally direct way and without prior judgement.
Miquel introduces us into her own world, where silence is a path to calm, stillness and tranquility. It is also presented as a non-verbal communication, which transmits powerful emotions such as sadness, respect, indifference and secrecy. In short, it is the silence that allows us to connect with the vertical dimension and disengage from the mind to access the present moment. There is only the now and it is in this moment that the work is created, without previous sketches, only with an idea and silence.
Esther Miquel, Silent Noise, 2023, exhibition view, Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca
Esther Miquel, Silent Noise, 2023, exhibition view, Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca
Esther Miquel, Silent Noise, 2023, exhibition view, Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca
Esther Miquel, Silent Noise, 2023, exhibition view, Galería Fran Reus, Mallorca
Esther Miquel, E-014.23 (2023), Plaster, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 120 x 160 cm
Esther Miquel, E-013.23 (2023), Plaster, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 120 x 160 cm
Esther Miquel, E-015.23 (2023), Plaster, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 120 x 160 cm
Esther Miquel, E-005.23 (2023), Plaster, acrylic, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 100 x 80 cm
Esther Miquel, E-017.23 (2023), Plaster, acrylic, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 100 x 80 cm
Esther Miquel, E-012.23 (2023), Plaster, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 120 x 160 cm
Esther Miquel, E-016.23 (2023), Plaster, lacquer, wood and cotton canvas, 120 x 160 cm