The artwork titled “Arte Universal,” created by Joaquin Torres Garcia in 1943, is an oil painting on canvas. It belongs to the Abstract Art movement and falls under the abstract genre. Currently housed in the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales in Montevideo, Uruguay, this piece exemplifies the artist’s unique style and approach to abstraction.
The artwork features a complex arrangement of geometric shapes and symbolic elements. Dominant within the composition are rectangles, squares, circles, and more intricate shapes, each meticulously placed to create a sense of balance and harmony. The monochromatic color palette, primarily in shades of brown and beige, contributes to a cohesive visual experience. An enigmatic sun with anthropomorphic features rests prominently in the upper section, drawing attention to its central position. Below this, various symbols, including boats, houses, and what appear to be human figures, are interspersed throughout, inviting viewers to interpret the significance of each element. The artwork, with its intricate design and symbolic richness, exemplifies the abstract and mystical essence characteristic of Joaquin Torres Garcia’s oeuvre.
