Carmen Domínguez Vaz — Red Composition, 1998 — Mixed media and collage on paper

A small composition by Carmen Domínguez Vaz in which an intense red plane physically emerges over a rough, mineral surface. Dated 1998, the work belongs to one of the most characteristic moments of the artist's evolution toward abstraction, when color, matter, and relief began to become the protagonists of her language.

Red turned into matter

The composition is built through two clearly differentiated surfaces. Over a gray base with a rough, granular texture, a large red shape with a softly irregular outline is superimposed.

Three narrow vertical openings pierce the red plane, leaving the underlying material visible. This simple device introduces depth and transforms the two-dimensional surface into an almost sculptural composition.

There is no figurative representation: all interest is concentrated on the relationship between form, matter, space, and color. Red visually dominates the piece, but its intensity is reinforced by the contrast with the gray background and the small irregularities of the surface.

A work from Carmen Domínguez's abstract period

Starting in the 1990s, Carmen Domínguez delved into an abstract language in which geometric forms, color, and the incorporation of materials took on a fundamental role.

This 1998 work fits fully into that period. Facing painting understood as a simple surface, Domínguez introduces here superimposition, texture, and void. The red form is not only painted: it physically occupies the space, casts small shadows, and establishes a direct relationship with the support.

The austerity of the composition contrasts with the chromatic intensity, a balance very characteristic of an artist who understood color as one of her main expressive vehicles.

Carmen Domínguez Vaz

Carmen Domínguez Vaz was born in Pontevedra in 1951 and passed away in Madrid in 2021.

After an initial figurative stage, her painting evolved progressively toward abstraction. From the nineties, she developed compositions in which she experimented with geometry, collage, matter, and strong chromatic contrasts.

Her career included exhibitions in Spain and abroad, and participation in the Pontevedra Biennial and the I Mostra Unión Fenosa. Her work is represented in public institutions and collections, including the Museo de Pontevedra and the Afundación Collection.

Technical Data

Artist: Carmen Domínguez Vaz (Pontevedra, 1951 – Madrid, 2021)
Title: Red Composition
Date: 1998
Medium: Mixed media and collage on paper
Dimensions: 22 × 18 cm
Style: Geometric abstraction / material informalism
Signature: Signed “Carmen Domínguez” in the lower left corner
Inscriptions: Signed again and dated “1998” on the reverse
Condition: Good general condition, with small surface irregularities inherent to the technique and material work

Studio Note

In barely 22 centimeters, Carmen Domínguez concentrates some of the fundamental elements of her mature painting: intense color, matter, geometry, and space.

The large red surface seems simple at first glance, but the three incisions and the contrast with the rough background transform the piece as the incidence of light changes. The work thus ceases to behave as a flat painting and discreetly approaches relief.

Dated 1998, it also constitutes an interesting example of the stage in which the artist consolidated the abstract language for which she is currently especially recognized.