French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, noted in his writings on human existence that man is nothing other than what he makes of himself. Eduardo Barcenas’ work appropriates, explores, and reflects this concept through a means of expression that is both evident and obscure. Beginning with the series Ecce Homo, followed by Chronicles, Barcenas’ current work continues to serve as commentary, critical documentary, and most importantly, as memory of violent events in Venezuela’s history that echo similar events in human history. Combining personal and poetic texts and abstracted, distorted figures in his paintings and drawings along with, most recently, found objects and installation, the artist attempts to reconstruct reality by observing and studying society, the human condition, the Other. The word -the story-that captures and liberates facts, situations, events, and truths becomes the most adequate and eloquent medium that recognizes and remembers what has been forgotten, what is purposely hidden: the history of the unknown.
Barcenas has exhibited throughout Venezuela and in Puerto Rico, and has participated twice in the Havana Art Bienial. He lives and works in Maracay, Venezuela.