Julio Alpuy
Génesis I

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Artist Julio Alpuy (Uruguayan, 1919–2009)Uruguayan, 1919–2009

CultureUruguayan

Titles

Génesis I
Genesis I

Date1964

MediumIncised wood, paint, and ink

Dimensions62 1/2 × 75 1/4 × 3 3/8 in. (158.8 × 191.1 × 8.6 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by Susan and Mac Dunwoody, Mr. and Mrs. George B. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Tate, and an anonymous donor in honor of Hugo V. Neuhaus, Jr.

Object number2006.52

Current Location

The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building

Gallery 205

On view

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Department

Latin American Art

Object Type

PAINTING

Description

Torres-García’s
maderas (wood constructions) inspired
generations of artists in Uruguay. Based on the story of creation from the Book
of Genesis, Genesis I explores two
basic themes: fertility and the relationship between humans in the creation of
the universe. Through its organic forms, however, it signals a radical departure
from the abstract tenets of the Constructive tradition of the Taller
Torres-García in favor of more direct references to the natural world. Therein
lies Alpuy’s originality.

ProvenanceThe artist; Maurice Biderman, New York, [Cecilia de Torres, Ltd., New Yok]; sold to MFAH, 2006.
Exhibition History"Heterotopias," Madrid, (date unknown).

"Julio Alpuy Journeys," Sidney Mishkin Gallery, Baruch College, New York, September 16, 1997.

"Works of Wood & Drawings," Cecilia de Torres, New York, Autumn, 2003.

"The School of the South: El Taller Torres-Garcia and Its Legacy," The Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery, University of Texas at Austin, June, 1991–May, 1993.

"Inverted Utopias: The Avant-Garde in Latin America, 1920–1970," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, June 20–September 12, 2004.

"Brought to Light: Recent Acquisitions in Latin American Art," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, August 13, 2005–January 2, 2006.

"North Looks South: Building the Latin American Art Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, June 7–September 27, 2009.

"Constructed Dialogues: Concrete, Geometric, and Kinetic Art from the Latin American Art Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 16, 2012–January 6, 2013.

"The Abstract Impulse: Selections from the Modern and Contemporary Collections," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 3–May 5, 2013.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

No visible marks or inscriptions

Printed labels on verso - see photocopies in Accession File:

"109. / Alpuy, Julio / Génesis I (Genesis 1), 1964 / Carved wood and ink / ... / Collection Mr. Maurice Biderman, New York"

"The Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery / The University of Texas at Austin / Exhibition: The School of the South: El Taller Torres-Garcia and Its Legacy / Dates: 6/91 - 5/93 / Catalogue Number: 109"

"EDICT / Ronda de Segovia, 55-28005 Madrid ESPANA / ... / Expediente: Exp. "Heterotopias" / Propietario: Cecilia de Torres, Ltd / Autor: Julio Alpuy / Título: Génesis, 1964 / No Orden: 18 No Caja: 45"

CECILIA DE TORRES, LTD. 140 GREENE STREET / NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10012 / www.ceciliadetorres.com / JULIO ALPUY / 1060S-2003 / Works of Wood & Drawings / Autumn 2003 / Genesis, 1964"

"Cecilia de Torres, Ltd. / 140 Greene Street New York, New York 10012 / 212 431 5869 tel 212 343 0235 fax / Julio Alpuy Journeys Exhibition, Sept. 16, 1997 / Sidney Mishkin Gallery, Baruch College, N. Y. C. / JULIO ALPUY / (in ink) GENESIS I, 1964 / list No 30"

"(CK logo) camillos / KOUROS GALLERY / 23 East 73rd Street • New York, NY 10021 / Julio Alpuy / Genesis, 1964 / wood / 63 x 75 1/2" "

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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