Bidspirit auction | Carlos Mérida (1891-1984)

Carlos Mérida (1891-1984) - Abstract Composition, 1968. Carlos Mérida (1891-1984) | Guatemala Abstract Composition , 1968 Mixed media on board Signed: Signed and dated lower left “CARLOS MERIDA 1968”. Dimensions: Framed: 117.5 × 77.5 cm | 46.3 × 30.5 in Artwork: 110 × 70 cm | 43.3 × 27.6 in Provenance: Private collection, Mexico City; Private collection, Spain; Acquired from the above by the father of the current owner. Condition: Excellent vintage condition; colors remain exceptionally vibrant; gold leaf is intact with a rich, uniform luster; minor surface marks consistent with age; housed in a minimalist black frame. Conditions of Sale: All lots are sold as is. See Section 4 of our Terms and Conditions for return policy. All inquiries must be made prior to bidding, as no further details can be provided after the sale. By placing a bid, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions in full. Shipping: Aurora & Athena does not provide in-house shipping. The successful buyer arranges shipping directly with a company of their choice. For shipments outside the EU, Spanish export tax may apply to certain higher-value artworks; no export tax applies within the EU. Any such tax is payable by the buyer. Please refer to our Shipping & Export Information page for further details. -- In this 1968 masterpiece, Mérida explores the rhythmic intersection of geometric abstraction and indigenous Mayan motifs, a hallmark of his celebrated mature style. Set against a luminous gold-leaf background, the composition features a vibrant array of sharp, angular forms in a sophisticated palette of terracotta red, deep ochre, obsidian black, and crisp white. The arrangement possesses a distinct architectural quality, reminiscent of a complex totemic structure or a series of stylized figures in a cosmic dance. Mérida’s use of gold leaf adds a celestial, sacred dimension to the work, reflecting his career-long fascination with integrating traditional Mexican craft materials with international Avant-Garde sensibilities. The precision of the linework and the dynamic balance of the floating shapes showcase Mérida’s mastery of “plastic rhythm, ” a concept he pioneered to translate the essence of music and ancient architecture into visual form.