Espejo del sol 1966

Manuel Rivera created “Espejo del sol” using metal mesh and oil paint. Rivera was a key figure in the Spanish abstract art movement, which flourished during a period of political repression under Franco's dictatorship. With its metallic grid and radiant hues, this work invites us to consider the intersections of industry and art, control and freedom. Rivera’s use of mesh—an industrial material—speaks to the rapid modernization of Spain under Franco, and the concurrent suppression of regional identities. Meanwhile, the overlaid brushstrokes lend a personal, emotive touch. There's a tension between the rigid structure of the grid and the fluidity of the paint. Rivera once said his work “was based on light and shade, rhythm and colour." The effect is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. "Espejo del sol" reflects the complex interplay between the artist’s personal expression and the sociopolitical forces shaping Spanish society.