Dave McKean Presents "Nitrato II" at Artizar Gallery

From June 28 to August 2, Artizar Gallery presents "Nitrato II," the second exhibition by British artist Dave McKean dedicated to the origins of cinema and its connection to memory and oblivion. The opening will take place on Saturday, June 28 at 12:00 PM. 

"Nitrato II" pays homage to silent cinema and the lost films of the early 20th century, many of which vanished due to the use of nitrate celluloid—a chemically unstable and flammable material that caused the destruction of much of this legacy. It is estimated that nearly 80% of silent films have been lost forever, with only fragments and posters preserved in some cases. 

The "Nitrate" series, which McKean has developed for over fifteen years, stems precisely from this absence. Through a combination of painting, collage, and diverse materials, the artist constructs spectral-like images evoking the expressionist tradition of cinema and painting. Exaggerated faces, intense shadows, and theatrical scenography convey an emotional tension characteristic of an era when images spoke for themselves. This is not a literal reconstruction: McKean does not document, he suggests; he does not reproduce, he imagines. 

Dave McKean, born on December 29, 1963, in Maidenhead, England, is one of the most influential artists in contemporary comics, illustration, and graphic design. His style—characterized by the fusion of techniques such as collage, painting, photography, and digital manipulation—has shaped visual aesthetics since the late 20th century. 

After training at Berkshire College of Art and Design, he began a pivotal collaboration with writer Neil Gaiman, co-creating "Violent Cases" (1987) and later designing the covers for all 75 issues of "The Sandman" series (1989–1996), revolutionizing comic book design. His own work includes the graphic novel "Cages" (1990–1996), considered by many his masterpiece. 

McKean has also worked in film, directing "MirrorMask" (2005), co-written with Gaiman and produced by The Jim Henson Company. He has received numerous awards, including the World Fantasy Award and multiple Eisner Awards. His oeuvre spans covers, books, and exhibitions, cementing his versatility and constant exploration of new visual languages. 

Dave McKean has blurred the boundaries between disciplines, proving that illustration and comics can be spaces for profound poetic and philosophical reflection.