“Banderas” Exhibition
Banderas (Flags) is the name of this body of abstract and figurative art by Stephen Aiken. The works invite us to engage in a visual game: while their composition may resemble banners or emblems, they do not intend to convey any political or ideological statement. Instead, they propose a playful exploration of form, pattern, and color—an invitation to look beyond symbols and allow perception to lead interpretation.
At the heart of the exhibition are three large-format paintings that inspired the title. These pieces combine geometric patterns and bright hues to depict abstract compositions that subtly evoke ancient shields or ceremonial emblems. Though they echo the structure of a flag, their meaning resists fixed interpretation. The harmonic contrast between shapes and tones suggests movement and rhythm. This draws the viewer into a dynamic visual dialogue.
Another key element of the exhibition is a striking wall installation made up of over twelve small-format paintings (30 x 30 cm each). Presented as a mosaic, these works create an interplay of abstract forms. Some repeat patterns, while others diverge in shape and palette. Aiken uses irregular, organic figures and pure hues with remarkable sensitivity. He harmonizes them through variations in tone and saturation. The result is a unified yet diverse visual language—one that invites both contemplation and sensory pleasure.
Beyond these series, the artist also presents a group of abstract paintings in different formats. In some of them, motifs inspired by Yucatán’s vegetation appear subtly integrated into patterns. His mastery of composition and intuitive use of color reflect a strong commitment to experimentation and visual exploration.
A Practice Rooted in Color Exploration
Stephen Aiken is a curious and inquisitive creator. He is passionate about visual research and deeply engaged with the legacy of the avant-garde. His daily practice in painting and photography is nourished by this spirit of investigation. This approach continues to evolve through his ever-renewed relationship with color—a substance that, in his own words, has intrigued him for more than fifty years.
Color is central in Aiken’s work: “It motivates my intent; it’s an amazing substance that has intrigued me for 50 years! The process of perpetually renewing my relationship to color is never boring; it’s always fulfilling.”
At the intersection between the figurative and the abstract—between what the mind already knows and what the eyes perceive—Banderas challenges us to see, experience, and think in new ways.
