Cristina Babiloni’s latest exhibition, Aquarium, opens on September 12, 2024, at the Gallery Alvaro Alcazar in Madrid. Babiloni, an artist hailing from Castellón, has previously captivated audiences in New York and Andorra with her individual exhibitions. This new showcase reaffirms her commitment to exploring aquatic themes, even in a city like Madrid, far from the sea.

In Aquarium, Babiloni continues her exploration of marine environments, presenting a thought-provoking and immersive experience. Her work is divided into two distinct yet interconnected parts. The first section features large and medium-format burlap pieces, where Babiloni employs a rich palette of pigments and materials to create evocative underwater scenes and coral reefs. These artworks invite viewers to metaphorically “dive” into the sea, engaging with its depths through intricate textures and vibrant colors. The artist has expanded on her previous techniques, incorporating new ecosystems and richer hues to enhance the visual impact of her work.

On the other side of the gallery, Babiloni presents a novel series of fish casts made from methacrylate, showcasing her innovative approach and experimentation with materials. This use of methacrylate represents a new direction in her practice, adding fresh dimensions to her art and underscoring her ongoing quest for artistic exploration.

Babiloni, who also holds a background in psychology, views her art as a therapeutic tool, aiming to restore mental well-being through the power of admiration. She believes that each painting serves as a vehicle for meditation and natural immersion, merging chromotherapy with visual art to evoke emotional responses. According to Babiloni, her work provides a form of introspection and solace, acting as a balm for the soul.

In her exhibition, Babiloni emphasizes the profound connection between humans and nature. She argues that emotional engagement with her art is crucial, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world—a space of immense strength and beauty that we must strive to protect. Through her use of color, texture, and form, Babiloni recreates aquatic environments that offer a sensory journey, highlighting the delicate interplay of light and shadow, as well as the organic forms that bring her “living entities” to life.

Overall, Aquarium is not just a display of artistic skill but an invitation to reflect on our relationship with nature and find solace in its representation.