Secundino Hernández: Problematic Corners at Victoria Miro, London

Secundino Hernandez presents his fifth solo exhibition, Problematic Corners, at the Victoria Miro Gallery in London from April 10 to May 18, 2024. The exhibition challenges conventional artistic norms and offers viewers a unique experience into the artist’s creative realm.

Installation of Problematic Corners Ⓒ Victoria Miro Gallery

Hernandez’s innovative approach to traditional artistic boundaries is at the heart of Problematic Corners. Through a deep exploration of multiple materials, the artist transcends the limitations of conventional painting. Each artwork departs from the typical stretched canvas on a square frame. Hernandez’s innovative style utilises canvases constructed from stitched-together cloth pieces, a byproduct of the screen-printing process. The recurring circular forms evoke a sense of the divine,  reminiscent of religious iconography. By stepping outside the confines of the traditional canvas, Hernandez challenges viewers to engage in a prescient dialogue with the works on display and contemplate his process.

Upon entering the gallery, visitors are immediately captivated by Hernandez’s artistic grandeur. Three Large-scale works in primary colours—red, yellow, and blue—command attention, setting the stage for a rich exploration of form and texture. As spectators navigate the space, they are enveloped in an intricately woven narrative, moving seamlessly from larger-than-life canvases to more intimate, smaller-scale works.

Secundino Hernández, Myrtle Beach, 2024 Ⓒ Victoria Miro Gallery

Highlights: Myrtle Beach (2024) and Toulouse-Lautrec (2024)

Two standout pieces, Myrtle Beach (2024) and Toulouse-Lautrec (2024), epitomise Hernandez’s thematic exploration and technical skills. Myrtle Beach (2024) is a striking circular canvas, reminiscent of a celestial body,  adorned with vibrant yellow patterns that command attention, showcasing Hernandez’s meticulous stencil work and dye techniques. Similarly, Toulouse-Lautrec (2024) offers a more intimate experience on a smaller scale; it invites viewers to come closer and delve deeper into the intricacies of Hernandez’s artistic process. Viewers can discern the subtle interplay of his materials, acrylic, vinylic emulsions, and dye transfers, a combination that contributes to the richness and depth of the viewer’s experience of the exhibition.

Secundino Hernández, Toulouse-Lautrec, 2024 Ⓒ Victoria Miro Gallery

The exhibition excels on multiple fronts,  the work invites personal interpretation and fosters viewer engagement while prompting questions about formal artistic practices. Hernandez’s departure from established norms challenges viewers to reassess their understanding of art and its role in contemporary society. However, this willingness to push boundaries and challenge preconceptions renders Hernandez’s output both thought-provoking and transformative.

Problematic Corners surpass the confines of traditional painting, inviting viewers on a journey of introspection. Through his innovative use of materials and fearless approach to artistic expression, Hernandez challenges us to reconsider our understanding of form, technique, and meaning. In doing so, he enriches the creative landscape and prompts a profound reevaluation of our relationship with art itself.

Exhibition Information

10 April–18 May 2024
Victoria Miro Gallery
16 Wharf Road, London