Samurai Tree (Invariant 20T)

Gabriel Orozco

2017
Tempera and gold leaf on linen
120 x 120 cm
Winsing Arts Collection

Courtesy of the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery. Photo © Alex Yudzon

Samurai Tree (Invariant 20T)

Gabriel Orozco

2017
Tempera and gold leaf on linen
120 x 120 cm
Winsing Arts Collection

The Samurai Tree series, developed since 2004, embodies the evolution of circular forms. Orozco's meticulous exploration of graphical evolution is evident in the progression and composition of these works. Utilizing sophisticated computer software and drawing tools, Orozco initiates his creative process with a solitary point, from which he meticulously draws a circle. This initial form is then systematically divided into quadrants, with subsequent circles outlined to intersect with the diameter bisecting the primary circle. This methodical repetition, accompanied by deliberate alterations in circle sizes, characterizes Orozco's artistic approach. Throughout the series, recurring motifs such as circles, axes, sequential patterns, and rotational shapes serve as fundamental elements. Orozco employs a palette consisting of blue, red, gold, and white circles to craft geometric compositions that evoke sensations of motion and growth. These compositions radiate outward from the center, echoing the organic growth patterns observed in trees and plants. The strategic arrangement of colors draws inspiration from the intricate movements of knights in the game of chess.

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Artist Biography

Gabriel Orozco

Born in 1962 in Jalapa, Mexico, Orozco hails from an artistic lineage that profoundly shaped his upbringing. After completing studies at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain, in 1987, he embarked on a nomadic lifestyle, which greatly impacted his artistic practice. Orozco once presided over the Taller de los Viernes (Friday Workshop) from 1987 to 1992, which served as a central hub for artists to discuss art and creativity. He held his first solo exhibition in 1983 and has since showcased his works in prestigious venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Serpentine Galleries in London, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. From 2009 to 2011, Orozco was the focal point of major retrospective exhibitions held at prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Kunstmuseum Basel in Basel, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous awards, and he has been a frequent participant in prestigious international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and Documenta in Kassel.

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