Eduardo Nery, a notable Portuguese painter, architect and artist, is one such individual whose eclectic and innovative work has left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Born in 1938, in the picturesque city of Figueira da Foz, Portugal, Eduardo Nery charted a rich and diverse artistic path that saw him explore a wide range of techniques and styles throughout his career.
Throughout this article, we will explore the life and work of Eduardo Nery, delving into the different phases of his career, from his initial forays into abstract painting to his notable contribution to Op Art and his dedication to the integration of art in architecture and space. public. We will also examine the impact that Eduardo Nery had on contemporary art, both in Portugal and beyond its borders, as his influence resonates with subsequent generations of artists.
Furthermore, we will delve into the multitude of techniques that Eduardo Nery explored, from tapestry and stained glass to photography and tiles, and how he fused these disciplines in a unique way. His willingness to experiment with different materials and mediums reveals the versatility of his artistic vision.
Eduardo Nery not only left an indelible mark on the art scene, but also played a role in art education as a teacher and as one of the founders of the Ar.Co school. Furthermore, his works can be found in public and private collections, highlighting his importance in the artistic canon.
Through this exploration of Eduardo Nery's legacy, our aim is to offer an in-depth look at an artist who defied boundaries, both in terms of form and content, and whose influence continues to resonate in contemporary art, demonstrating the timelessness of his work and its lasting relevance.
What was Eduardo Nery's artistic career?
Early career: Eduardo Nery was born in 1938, in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. He studied at the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes de Lisboa in 1956, initially on the Painting course and, later, in 1959, he transferred to the Architecture course, which he ended up giving up.
Internship in France: In 1960, Eduardo Nery was invited by Jean Lurçat to do an internship in France, where he came into contact with contemporary tapestry, which significantly influenced his future work.
Abstract Art and Op Art: In the late 1950s, Eduardo Nery began his career in painting, exploring abstractionism. He initially followed a gestural approach and later joined the international Op Art movement, characterized by the systematic use of gradients and optical illusionism.
Diversification of Techniques: Eduardo Nery did not limit himself to painting. His work encompassed a variety of techniques, including tilework, tapestry, stained glass, photography and collage. He also introduced three-dimensional elements into his paintings, transforming them into object-paintings.
Public Art: The most visible facet of his work was public art. He contributed to architectural and urban projects in Portugal, creating works in tiles, stained glass and mosaics that are part of the country's urban scene. His intervention on the Portuguese sidewalk of Praça do Município, in Lisbon, is a notable example.
"Metaphysical Painting" Phase: In works from the first half of the 1970s, Eduardo Nery was associated with "metaphysical painting" by art critics.
Academic career: He also had experience as a Drawing, Color and Textures teacher at IADE, in addition to being one of the founders of the Ar.Co school - Centro de Arte e Comunicação in Lisbon.
Recognition and Exhibitions: Eduardo Nery had his works exhibited in numerous individual and group exhibitions in Portugal, including museums such as the National Museum of Ancient Art, Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Culturgest and Museu Nacional do Azulejo, among others.
Artistic Legacy: After his death in 2013, Eduardo Nery's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated and explored through exhibitions, such as the "Eduardo Nery 2023" exhibition, which shares his work with the public.
Eduardo Nery's artistic journey was marked by the exploration of multiple techniques, from abstract painting to the creation of public works that became an integral part of the urban environment in Portugal. His influence and legacy continue to be recognized and celebrated in the Portuguese art scene.
What are the characteristics of Eduardo Nery's works?
Abstraction: Eduardo Nery began his artistic career exploring abstraction, which means that his works often do not represent recognizable objects or figures. He experimented with shapes, colors and abstract compositions, defying literal interpretation.
Op Art: Eduardo Nery joined the international Op Art movement, which is characterized by the systematic use of gradients, optical illusionism and visual effects that appear to move or vibrate when observed. His Op Art works are marked by a strong emphasis on visual experience and optical illusion.
Multimedia: Eduardo Nery was a versatile artist who explored a variety of techniques and mediums, including painting, tiles, tapestry, stained glass, mosaic, photography and collage. His willingness to experiment with different materials and techniques is a striking feature of his work.
Integration in Architecture: A significant part of Eduardo Nery's work involved the integration of his creations into architecture and public space. He created works in tiles, stained glass and mosaics that are part of buildings and urban spaces in Portugal, becoming a regular presence in people's daily lives.
Paintings-Objects: In the late 1960s, Eduardo Nery introduced three-dimensional elements into his paintings, transforming them into "object paintings". This approach gave his paintings effective depth and an added physical dimension.
Public Art: Eduardo Nery's works are often associated with public art, as many of his creations were designed for public spaces, such as squares, buildings and viaducts. These works contribute to the beautification of the urban environment and are accessible to the general public.
Geometry and Structuring: Eduardo Nery often incorporated geometric elements into his works, using precise shapes and organized structures. This reflects its influence from constructivism and cubism.
Illusionism and Movement: His Op Art works are known for creating illusions of movement, with patterns that appear to shift or vibrate when observed. This dynamic quality is a distinctive feature of his Op Art output.
Changes throughout your career: Eduardo Nery's work has evolved over time, going through different phases and styles. He explored tapestry, stained glass and photography, in addition to painting, adapting his style and technique according to projects and contexts.
Eduardo Nery's works are characterized by an abstract and geometric approach, with a special emphasis on Op Art and integration into architecture. His versatility and willingness to experiment with different techniques and materials resulted in a diverse and impactful artistic production.
What is Eduardo Nery’s influence and impact on contemporary art?
Exploration of Diverse Techniques: Eduardo Nery demonstrated how an artist can explore various techniques, from painting to tapestry, tiles, stained glass, mosaic, photography and collage. His multidisciplinary approach has inspired other artists to experiment and combine different mediums in their own works.
Op Art and Abstraction: His adherence to Op Art, with its focus on optical illusion and geometric abstraction, contributed to the popularization of this artistic movement in Portugal. His influence is visible in later artists who explored optics and abstraction in their works.
Public Art: The integration of his creations into architecture and public space contributed to greater awareness of the importance of public art. His works have become an integral part of the urban environment and inspired the inclusion of art in public spaces in Portugal.
Innovation in Tile: Eduardo Nery innovated in the application of tiles as an artistic medium, creating works that challenged the conventions of traditional tiles. His work demonstrated the creative possibilities of this medium and influenced other artists to explore tiles in a more experimental way.
Exhibitions and Recognition: The numerous individual and group exhibitions in renowned museums and institutions, such as the National Museum of Ancient Art, the National Museum of Soares dos Reis, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and others, helped to promote his work and expand his influence on the contemporary art scene.
Contribution to Portuguese Contemporary Art: Eduardo Nery is considered one of the key artists of the third generation of Portuguese modernism. His work helped shape and define contemporary art in Portugal, contributing to the richness and diversity of the country's art scene.
Eduardo Nery left a significant legacy in contemporary art, not only in Portugal, but also internationally, through his technical innovations, his commitment to public art and his role in promoting Op Art and geometric abstraction. His influence extended to different areas of art and culture, leaving a lasting mark on the contemporary art scene.
