Biography
Juan Uslé is widely recognized for his vivid paintings and works on paper that engage the viewer with entrancing rhythmic patterns. These patterns are composed of systematic brushstrokes that exist in a dual state: that of embracing repetition while practising singularity. Sourcing inspiration from memories both lived and dreamt, these patterns evoke the vibrancy of a bustling New York City, echo the fluidity of bodies of water, or serve as a transcript of real time through a filmstrip-like recording of the artist’s own heartbeat.
Uslé participated in the Venice Biennale (2005), Documenta 9 (1992), the Istanbul Biennial (1992) and the Bienal de São Paulo (1985). His solo exhibitions have been held at the Kunstmuseum Bonn (2014); Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea, Santiago de Compostela (2013); Fundación Botín, Santander (2011); SMAK, Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, Gante (2004); IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin (2004); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (2004).
The artist’s work is present in numerous international public and private collections, including: Albright Knox Museum, Buffalo, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Colección Arte Contemporáneo Fundación “la Caixa”, Barcelona; IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; MACBA, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Barcelona; MNAM – Centre Pompidou, Paris; Musée d’Art Contemporain du Luxembourg; Museo Guggenheim, Bilbao; Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid; Museu Serralves, Porto; SMAK, Stedelïjk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, Gante; Tate Modern, London.
In 2002, Uslé won Spain’s National Award for Plastic Arts. In March 2020, he won the 13th Daniel and Florence Guerlain Drawing Prize.
In October 2025, a major retrospective dedicated to Uslé’s work, entitled “CIEN DIAS DE ABRIL”, will be held at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid.
