a sunset coloured orange and red background with white calligraphic lines scrawled on top

José Parlá

Seeing in Phosphene

€550

Edition of 380

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

For a time-limited print edition, José Parlá spins memories of a life in art into abstract calligraphy.

Seeing in Phosphene sees Parlá draw on ocular phenomena as a source of inspiration. Caused by light, sound or pressure, ‘phosphene’ describes illusory colours and shapes that come from inside the eye. Rubbing closed eyes and seeing stars are common examples. By looking at the sun through the skylight of his Brooklyn studio and blinking, Parlá finds forms – spots, lines, riding colours – for his energetic paintings. In turn, these forms summon moments – the city, my family and friends, places I’ve been – from his storied past.

Available for 24 hours only, the edition of signed, varnish-sealed prints faithfully recreate an original painting. Set against a vibrant gradient of red, orange and yellow, densely-layered strokes become illegible and evade specificity. Instead, Parlá encourages his viewer to read the surface for themselves – to find their own meaning, and draw their own conclusions.

Free shipping is included on all orders. For more on sensory inspirations, read the accompanying journal.

Go deeper

01:00

Behind the scenes

Jose Parla standing in front of a colourful abstract painting

José Parlá5 collaborationsJosé Parlá doesn’t paint, he dances. “My type of meditation is listening to music. I move to it, and eventually it translates into the movement that happens in the painting”. In the studio, he leaps, jumps and climbs across the canvas with his brush. The results are magnificently abstract and burst with kinetic energy. Parlá's passion for music and dance harks back to his childhood. When he was growing up in 1980s-Miami, music was a unifying force. Hip-hop, in particular, brought communities together to dance and hang out – and Parlá aims to do the same with his art.

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

Lovely art work, very professional company, the packaging was incredible. The whole process was very impressive. i will purchase more. thanks!
Review of Guardian
we love these prints and hope that Ai WeiWei will continue with the other zodiac symbols :)
Review of Combat fear with truth
Excellent service from Avant Arte! Thank you!
Review of Inner Love
Notifications and packaging were spot on. I will definitely make future purchases.
Review of Iris
The Avant Arte team is all around top notch. Excellent communication and everything is always packaged so thoughtfully. A+
Review of Ringers #962: The LACMA Iterations
communication, shipping integrity, and overall piece were all great! recommended!
Review of Untitled [Man in Car with Shed]
an amazing artwork. my second Tomas Sanchez. very happy to have it framed bu you. thank you.
Review of Inner Love
Super stoked... exceeded expectations. Great framing and packaging and love the extra details in the authenticity card, bag, stickers.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Patrick QuarmTwilight (Blue)€3,500

Available

Jordi RibesHot blue bath€2,000

Draw

Yoon HyupAmbre Roulette€850Closing on 23 July

Draw

LYLUV New Beginnings€2,300Closing on 07 July