As a Mexican living in Britain for the past twenty years, I am able to draw on my cultural roots and new cultural stimuli to invigorate my working processes. I have continually exhibited throughout this time and my work has developed from a painter who sculpts to now predominately a sculptor who also paints. I find both practices inform the other, symbiotically creating the working rhythm that ignites the work.
Musical instruments, wood and metal are the main materials used, having an intrinsic natural beauty and strong connections to the earth.
In common with painting, these materials can be manipulated through colour, thickness, texture and warmth, and additionally the surfaces can be caressed or violated
through polishing or chiselling.
I like to contrast the qualities of wood by combining it with other elements.
The process of construction is vital to how the final form is perceived.
Drawing from his cultural background, Monroy works as a musician and sculptor re-fashioning found musical instruments into eloquent pieces that reference music, temporality and slience. Trained at Berkshire Community College, MA, USA and San Carlos Academy of Art, Mexico City Monroy has exhibited internationally since 1984.
Recent exhibitions include Tiempo y Silencio at the Eagle Gallery, London in 2010 and in 2007 his monumental sculptural crucifix The Sleeper was acquired for St James The Less Church in Pimlico.
Monroy’s solo exhibition Fugue celebrates a major commission by Blackheath Conservatoire as part of their new programme to forge links between the visual arts and music departments within the institution.
Fugue is a permanent sculptural reception desk that incorporates violins, cellos, piano keys and wind instruments topped with musical scores and will be shown alongside individual two and three dimensional works around the building.
For further details please contact
Guillermo Monroy
Venue: Main Building, The Conservatoire * see a map
19-21 Lee Road
Blackheath
London SE3 9RQ
