Alfredo Palmero
The paintings of the artist Alfredo Palmero broach the conceptual question about what is perception, and what is representation. Born in 1966 in Barcelona, Spain; Alfredo Palmero is a third generation artist beginning with his grandfather Alfredo Palmero de Gregoria, as well as his father Miguel Angel Palmero. In his work one can see the influence of some of his painting heroes such as Picasso, Velazquez, Klee and Goya. At the same time he expresses himself with a clear canon distinctly of his own. The artist does not limit himself as a painter, but rather allows himself the freedom to explore and evolve as an artist. Preferring to work in series, he is presently working on a line of portraits titled “Las Meninas”. Inspired by the iconic painting by Velazquez of the same title, this series of portraits is a personal interpretation of the human condition which pays homage to women with a range of emotions from love and loneliness, to desire, vulnerability and aloofness. There is a seductive air of uncomplicated emotion which is tempered with a sense of fragility about them. The artist’s technical prowess and precision never detracts from the conceptual outline of his subject. With a contemporary sensibility, he uses the dress of the figure to express femininity and as a foil on which to juxtapose color and abstraction against the representational expression of the model. They are expressive, quiet paintings which reinforce the concept that the best representational work is not simply about careful observation and descriptive nuance, but about discovery, feeling and insight.
The work of Alfredo Palmero has been shown world wide, and is included in both corporate and private collections. Notable collectors include the former king of Spain: Juan Carlos, as well as the Duchess of Alba de Tornes. The Palmero family has founded two private museums in Spain which highlight the three generations of family talent. Today the artist maintains a studio in Barcelona.