Almine Rech Paris Showcases CALYPSO, Alejandro Cardenas' Response to Odysseus

Alejandro Cardenas' third solo show with Almine Rech Paris will be on display from March 19 through April 23, 2022.

Alejandro Cardenas has titled his third solo exhibition with Almine Rech, and his second in Paris, after 'PARADOXA.' This time, Cardenas creates paintings and sculptures in response to Homer's Odyssey, especially to the years Odysseus spent in Ogygia with the nymph Calypso.

Before discussing the breadth of Cardenas' interpretation of that section of the poem, it's worth noting that the exhibition is separated into three sections. The central area is devoted to Odysseus' years in Ogygia. One room next to it is devoted to Penelope's suitors, while another is devoted to musings on the exhibition's themes. 

Cardenas' most recent body of work represents an unusual moment in contemporary painting and sculpture in that it presents the reflections of an artist who engaged directly with a classical textual source, in an era when the trend is toward oblique presentations of ideas, as Jean-Luc Nancy demonstrated in Les Muses.

The matrix for the paintings and sculptures from 'CALYPSO' may be found in the very words of Homer's Odyssey. Nonetheless, the works are not only visual ekphrasis bound to the Odyssey. Cardenas connects meaning webs that span time. He interweaves Homer's poetry with Ancient Greek sculptures, as well as allusions from many eras and countries, deepening or altering their meanings in the process.

Featured Image: Alejandro Cardenas Calypso of Ogygia, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 127 x 177.8 cm 50 x 70 in © Alejandro Cardenas - Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech - Photo: Dan Bradica