Hidden Beauty

In describing the work of José López Vergara, Arcadia Contemporary gallery observes, “Although his realist technique requires a strict methodology and rational thinking, his compositions rely on subconscious impulses and demand an abstract expression.”

At some level the artist’s subconscious and our own exist in the same realm, but their surface manifestations can differ widely.

In his painting Silene, the maiden, who is often an overlooked subject in depictions of the story of St. George and the dragon, is in the center of the composition, seemingly oblivious to what is happening to her. St. George, behind her, is adapted from a painting by Bernat Martorell, a 15th century Spanish artist.

Silene is the name of a plant called campion, the most common color of which is that of the maiden’s gown and the gown of the maiden in the background of Martorell’s painting.