“Folia,” a Latin term, refers both to the leaves of plants and to the individual sections formed by folding paper. Nico Munuera explores these dual interpretations in his new series, “Folia Natura,” currently showcased at the La Caja Negra gallery in Madrid.
The series elegantly combines photographs captured in nature with paintings on paper. These are presented as double compositions, establishing a seamless connection between them. The exhibition evokes the experience of flipping through a catalog, where the understanding of this interplay between distinct formal realities is intuitively guided.
Munuera places two distinct temporal realms on equal footing: the direct experience and observation of the natural environment, from which he has meticulously compiled a unique geological and botanical archive over the years through his photographs; and the dedicated time spent painting, a daily immersion in his studio. In this way, the world of plants and the creative act of painting become intimately linked, mutually enriching and propelling each other forward.
