‘Sean Scully – San Cristóbal’. Photography: Felix Friedmann for Wallpaper*
RESEARCH

A riot of colour and form in a Mexican modernist exhibition

Repositioning the work of Sean Scully

When we think of modernism and minimalism we envision clean, often sterile designs. Artist Sean Scully's signature simple blocks do conform to the pared back aesthetic of many modernist works, but crucially, through use of expressive application of paint and render, or bold rich colours, have a much more human feel.

It makes sense then, that his work would be displayed in a new exhibition 'Sean Scully – San Cristóbal' amongst the iconic architecture of Luis Barragán. Barragán coined the phrase 'emotional architecture', combining colour and more natural materials that spoke of his Mexican heritage in his spaces influenced by architecture great Le Corbusier.

'3.24.89' © Sean Scully from Tate Online
‘Sean Scully – San Cristóbal’. Photography: Felix Friedmann for Wallpaper*
The exhibition on Barragán's estate places Scully's work amongst the agricultural stables and equestrian structures, and the patterns of stripes and blocks in the artworks, as well as the shadows that they create, speak playfully to the surrounds. Scully has had an ongoing love affair with Mexico, and the geometric pieces are testament to the vibrant culture of the country.

‘Sean Scully – San Cristóbal’ is on view from 7 February until 24 March by appointment only

‘Sean Scully – San Cristóbal’. Photography: Felix Friedmann for Wallpaper*