AMAZARS

Amazar technique was established by Nicomedes Suárez-Araúz and José Rodeiro in Barcelona in 1986. Since that time, the Amazar process has continued as an Amnesis creative method. From 1986-1988, as the Spanish Movida gradually waned, Rodeiro and Suarez shared a studio in Sarria, Barcelona; where they began creating unique imagery from remnants and detritus of previous images, generating new unexpected compositions, using monotype, collage, manipulation and accidents. The name “amazar” was coined by Suárez-Araúz to describe this new technique; the term combines two Spanish words amasar: to knead, unite, or amalgamate and azar: chance.

After the death in 1975 of the dictator, General Francisco Franco, the Spanish Movida blossomed; unleashing an exciting moment in Spanish cultural-life filled with social freedom and heightened artistic creativity. Barcelona and Madrid were the co-epicenters of this new-wave; where the Movida’s exhilarating mood lingered well into the early 1990s.

José Rodeiro Polyxena of Troy in Achilles’ Tent, an ink-amazar, 24” x 18,” 1997 (Collection of the artist).

In this Amazar, Polyxena of Troy and her brother Prince Troilus (two minor children of King Priam of Troy) visit Achilles’ Tent, during a komos (orgy). In The Cypria, a lost epic-poem by Homer, Achilles allegedly loved both Princess Polyxena and her brother, who were also involved (themselves) in an incestuous affair.