Abstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic Compositions

When considering Miguel Arzabe’s bold, woven works, it’s unsurprising that he begins by painting two abstract pieces. Vibrant fields of acrylic spread across his canvases before they’re sliced into long strips and reconfigured. Resulting are dynamic compositions that meld art historical traditions with Arzabe’s Bolivian heritage, drawing on longstanding Andean imagery and weaving practices.

Next month at Johansson Projects, the Oakland-based artist presents a collection of new wall works and suspended sculptures in Sin Contar Cincuenta. Arzabe refers to his practice as offering a “productive confrontation” of distinct cultures, approaches, and periods, and these new compositions continue his explorations into imagining spaces where differences exist in harmony.

an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“La Bahía de Niebla” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

The artist often roots his work in place and connections to a particular environment, and several pieces evoke vast landscapes and weather. “La Bahía de Niebla,” for example, echoes the dense opacity of Bay Area fog, while the elongated form reminiscent of an atoll sprawls across “Isla del Lago.”

Sin Contar Cincuenta is on view from January 17 to March 21 in Oakland. Find more from the artist on Instagram.

an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“Isla del Lago” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50 inches
an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“Phisqa Tunka” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches
an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“LBI” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas, 40 x 48 inches
an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“Atocsita” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas and linen, 56 x 78 inches
an abstract woven composition by Miguel Arzabe
“Primer Grado” (2025), woven acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Abstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic Compositions appeared first on Colossal.

©

Related Posts

a jazz ensemble surrounded by repeating symbols of human figures, resembling an audiencea jazz ensemble surrounded by repeating symbols of human figures, resembling an audience
Over 25 Years of a Pioneering Collective’s...
Aino Clarke, “Jazz Age.” Photo by Peter Morse, courtesy of...
Read more
Abstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic CompositionsAbstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic Compositions
How much does it cost to sell...
When it comes to selling your house and buying another,...
Read more
before shiplap wallbefore shiplap wall
See how this Fireplace TV wall hack...
This is how I realised my idea for a TV...
Read more
Abstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic CompositionsAbstract Paintings Confront Andean Weaving in Miguel Arzabe’s Dynamic Compositions
This Crystal Fragment turns everything you see...
There is no denying that modern graphic resolutions have reached...
Read more
Chris Jordan, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid and Phil Salt of England celebrate victoryChris Jordan, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid and Phil Salt of England celebrate victory
How to watch Australia vs. England online...
TL;DR: Watch Australia vs. England in the 2024 Men's T20...
Read more
Easy Fresh branding by Untitled MacaoEasy Fresh branding by Untitled Macao
Easy Fresh Branding by Untitled Macao
Take a look at this rebranding by Untitled Macao for...
Read more