Erice’s sidestep to documentary, albeit a hybrid version that contains staged sections, saw him focus on fellow Spanish artist, painter and sculptor Antonio López García, known for his hyperrealist style. López is shown making preparations to paint the quince tree that stands in his yard, these meticulous efforts mostly involving the creation of the painting’s frame, with determination of what will be the centre of the finished piece, and the daubing of the tree with white paint to create reference points. Erice follows López’s calm, methodical, and meditative approach in similar fashion, accommodating the intrusions of daily life on his process as he interacts with friends, family, fans, and builders, and deals with the fluctuating light and weather. As López’s movements become more meaningful and the painting develops, we are offered a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on the creative process.

Notes by Kevin Coyne

Screening as part of the Víctor Erice season – full season details here.

The Quince Tree Sun still, Authorship: Víctor Erice, © Estudio de Antonio López y María Moreno, Madrid, 2024