The artist Andrés Izquierdo has transformed the Lexus LBX model into an installation titled ‘Reflections of Silence’ that explores the duality between the physical and the spiritual, aiming to evoke in the viewer the serenity of nighttime car rides during childhood, within the framework of the UVNT Art Fair (Urvanity) held until March 9th at Plaza de Matadero in Madrid.
The piece is the result of the collaboration between Lexus and Andrés Izquierdo and is part of the II Edition of the ‘Lexus Art Month’, in which the Japanese brand reinforces its commitment to contemporary art and support for emerging young talents. Additionally, Lexus serves as an official partner in the International Contemporary Art Fair (ARCOmadrid) and ART Madrid, consolidating its position as a promoter of design and innovation.
According to Izquierdo, ‘Reflections of Silence’ emerged from the need to capture the calm and introspection of everyday moments, such as the memory of resting one’s cheek against the window while it rained. «There is something very beautiful in that sense of protection,» explained the artist in statements to Europa Press, highlighting that his goal was to convey that experience openly so that viewers could project their own emotions onto the piece.
A VEHICLE TRANSFORMED INTO A REFUGE
The installation uses materials like wax and ceramics to create a mystical and serene environment, exploring the notion of duality through hanging sculptures and ceramic elements that interact with the lines of the Lexus LBX. Izquierdo decided to remove a door and lower all the windows of the vehicle to open up the space and allow for a greater connection between the interior and the exterior.
«I wanted the car to unfold and open up to the room, not be a closed and contained object,» explained Izquierdo, emphasizing that the gesture of removing the door and lowering the windows aimed to allow «the air outside to circulate inside,» detailed Izquierdo, highlighting Lexus’ generosity in allowing that intervention.
The atmosphere of ‘Reflections of Silence’ is completed with large hanging moons made of beeswax and pine resin, evoking rain and the nostalgia of nighttime journeys, as well as panels of silver bread that seek to reflect what is in front and enhance the sense of calm and reflection. «It’s a bit of that idea of reflection, of calm, like objects that seem to move but have a serenity in them,» explained the artist.
The creative process, according to Izquierdo, involved numerous technical and conceptual challenges to integrate the Lexus LBX as an artistic support. «Working with the car as a sculptural material was complicated because it involves balancing two different worlds: one methodical and precise, and the other more artisanal and open,» he pointed out, emphasizing that for him the piece is more of a beginning than a finished project, as his intention is to continue exploring with other materials like canvas.
The UVNT Art Fair, celebrating its ninth edition until March 9th at Plaza de Matadero in Madrid, brings together more than 40 galleries from around the world, establishing itself as a key platform for emerging contemporary art. With a tent of over 3,000 square meters, the fair focuses on avant-garde and disruptive artistic proposals, providing a space for emerging and mid-career artists looking to reimagine the current cultural landscape.