Rafael Canogar's Theatrical Art at L'Attico in Rome

A new exhibition at Galleria L'Attico in Rome, curated by Fabio Sargentini, traces the evolution of Spanish artist Rafael Canogar (born Toledo, 1935) from his early informalist works to his pop-influenced period. The show opens with a portrait of surrealist painter Óscar Domínguez, painted when Canogar was 23, showcasing his gestural vitality. The focus is on 1967–68, featuring works like El Caido (1968), Represión (1968), and El pic-nic (1967), which address themes of mortality, war, and weapons. Sargentini, who first encountered Canogar at the 1958 Venice Biennale with his father Bruno, presents the pieces in a theatrical setting, with lighting and a gunshot effect heightening the dramatic narrative. The exhibition underscores the enduring relevance of Canogar's work amid contemporary conflicts.