Marcella Barceló's 'Locus Amoenus' at Forma, Paris

Marcella Barceló presents her solo exhibition 'Locus Amoenus' at Forma, a newly opened exhibition space in Paris, until July 13, 2022. The show features the artist's recent paintings, including tondi and arched canvases, which evoke early 20th-century Symbolist works. Barceló's pieces blend fairy-tale imagery with unease, depicting frontal figures in lush landscapes, oversized flowers and animals (a rabbit, peacocks), and couples with ambiguous sexuality. The works recall Robert Combas's 'Fou triste dans la forêt de fleurs' (1991) and Henry Darger's figures. A volcano erupts in the background of one painting, suggesting impending catastrophe. The artist discusses childhood memories from Majorca and her creative process, stating, 'I start from chance and an impulse, a desire for color or texture, vertical drips or golden yellow, like a craving for strawberries or tomato juice.' The exhibition is organized in temporary association with Ulysse Geissler. Forma, formerly known as Monte Verita, was renovated by founder Aurélien Jacquin. The show includes works such as 'Ash Fall' (2022, acrylic, oil, and nail polish on canvas, 240 x 150 cm) and 'Hera' (2022, acrylic on canvas, 200 x 200 cm).