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Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
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P118B $10
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Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
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While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
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Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Auto auto-retrato
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
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Total Price
$ 300
Artwork Description
The Intimate Mirror: Exploring Álvaro Lapa's Self-Portraiture
To gaze upon an artwork by Álvaro Lapa is not merely to observe pigment on canvas; it is to enter a deeply personal, intellectual labyrinth. This piece, Auto auto-retrato, functions as more than just a likeness—it is a meditation, a self-excavation rendered with the profound weight of literary homage. The subject matter itself suggests an internal dialogue, a confrontation between the visible self and the constructed narrative surrounding it. Lapa’s approach to portraiture, as hinted at in his own writings, positions the act of painting as a fleeting process, one where thought processes from literature and philosophy become the primary medium, contorting themselves within the image's very structure.
A Study in Distortion and Color
Visually, the piece immediately arrests the viewer with its arresting palette. The central figure’s face is set against a vibrant, almost aggressive red background, an emotional field that seems to pulse beneath the surface of representation. What makes this portrait so compelling is the deliberate sense of alteration; the face appears distorted or filtered, suggesting that the self presented here is not the objective reality, but rather a curated, artistic interpretation. Scattered across this charged canvas are intriguing elements: two distinct blue objects anchor the composition in the upper left and lower right corners, acting almost like visual parentheses around the central mystery. Furthermore, the inclusion of an everyday object, such as the visible spoon on the upper left, grounds the highly abstract emotional landscape with a touch of the mundane, creating a fascinating tension between the sublime and the quotidian.
Context and Intellectual Depth
Created in 1972, this work emerges from a period where Lapa was deeply engaged with the intellectual currents of his time. His artistic practice is inextricably linked to literary admiration—a devotion to giants like Michaux, Sade, and Fernando Pessoa. These works are not simple tributes; they are self-portraits painted on the shoulders of these admired masters. This piece carries that same weight: it suggests a mind wrestling with how to depict an internal state using external artistic rules. The resulting image is thus less about physical appearance and more about intellectual inheritance, a visual echo chamber of profound literary engagement.
Emotional Resonance for the Modern Collector
For those who collect art not just for its beauty but for its conversation-starting power, Auto auto-retrato offers immense depth. It speaks to the modern condition—the feeling that our public selves are often filtered, curated, and slightly distorted versions of our true interiority. Owning this reproduction is acquiring a piece of intellectual autobiography; it invites the viewer to question their own self-portraits, to consider what elements define them, and which literary or philosophical influences shape their current view of the world. It is an object that rewards prolonged contemplation, promising endless layers of meaning.
Artist Biography
early life and education
álvaro lapa, a renowned portuguese artist, was born on july 31, 1939, in évora, portugal. he spent his formative years within the culturally isolated environment of this city during the 1940s and 1950s. lapa's interest in art and philosophy began in high school, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. lapa graduated with a degree in philosophy from the faculty of letters at the university of lisbon, further solidifying his intellectual background. this academic pursuit would later influence his artistic approach, as seen in his works.artistic career
in 1956, lapa moved to lisbon and began his artistic career as an isolated, self-taught artist. his first solo exhibition was held at galeria 111 in lisbon in 1964, marking the beginning of his professional journey. lapa's work is characterized by a personal mythology, developed over time and structured like an enigma. he experimented with various mediums, including painting, drawing, collage, textile design, and scenography. this versatility showcases his innovative spirit and willingness to explore different artistic expressions.notable works and collections
* álvaro lapa's works can be found in several notable collections, including the new hall art collection, which features an impressive array of contemporary art pieces. /en/art/show/art-d3alr5-en/ * the ballarat fine art gallery in australia also showcases lapa's work, highlighting his global recognition. /en/art/show/art-d3c369-en/legacy and later life
álvaro lapa passed away on february 11, 2006, in porto, portugal. his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with his unique approach to art remaining a subject of fascination.- view more of álvaro lapa's works at [https://OriginalUniqueArt.com/@/álvaro-lapa](https://OriginalUniqueArt.com/@/álvaro-lapa)
- explore the new hall art collection and its notable artists at /en/art/show/art-d3alr5-en/
- discover more about the ballarat fine art gallery and its collections at /en/art/show/art-d3c369-en/
conclusion
álvaro lapa's life and work serve as a testament to the power of art in transcending time and geographical boundaries. his legacy, now an integral part of portugal's rich cultural heritage, continues to inspire and influence contemporary artistic endeavors.
álvaro lapa
1939 - 2006 , Portugal
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style:
- Performance art
- Neo-Dada
- Fluxus
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Beat Generation']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Pound
- Picasso
- Date Of Birth: October 12, 1939
- Date Of Death: March 6, 2019
- Full Name: Carolee Schneemann
- Nationality: American
- Notable Artworks:
- Cézanne, She Was a Great Painter
- More than Meat Joy
- Place Of Birth: New York City, USA
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