The Interlaced Cosmos of Mexuar: Lapis Lazuli Sky over Gold (Original)

This monumental work, ‘Lapis Lazuli Sky over Gold: The Interlaced Cosmos of Mexuar’, stands as a threshold for contemplation. José Cabrera Lozano not only reinterprets Nasrid lacería, but he endows it with a contemporary spiritual pulse. The white interlacing, like a river of living water, flows incessantly, reminding us that in sacred geometry, every line is a path and every intersection a destination. The composition presents two visions: one, a centralized radiant sun  where unity (tawhid) is the focal point; the other, an infinite expansion where the complexity of the forms multiplies towards the unreachability of infinity. It is a dialogue between mathematical rigidity and mystical emotion, a choreography of forms that seem to breathe over an abyss of black velvet.

The colors are palpable jewels: the blue of the sky, the turquoise of the water, the ochre of the earth, and the gold of the divine. The profound black is the primal void, the initial mystery that serves as a stage for this expanding cosmos to manifest. The work is an invitation to silence, a bridge connecting the Andalusian past with the digital present, reminding us that beauty is, above all, an act of faith. It is the Andalusian cosmos at its finest, a ‘zenith of the Andalusian jewel’.

From a technical perspective, the work is a masterful exploration of high-fidelity digital composition. The geometry is based on a complex system of Nasrid zillij, where the modules pivot between 8, and 16-point bases, organized on an underlying grid. The central variation focuses on a radiant 8-point star that governs the radial symmetry, while the expanding variation multiplies the quadrangular modules, showcasing the infinity of the pattern.

The use of color is crucial. Cabrera Lozano employs texturing algorithms to emulate the mineral nature of stone and enameled ceramics, creating a subtle but perceptible three-dimensional relief. The white lacería, with a macro-relief, stands out against the absolute black. The choice of Fine Art Hahnemühle William Turner (310 gr/m2) paper is fundamental to this process. Its matte surface, with a pronounced mold-made texture, allows the black pigments to achieve absolute density, an ‘infinite black’ that serves as a primordial stage upon which the turquoise and ochre colors seem to float. This tactile and visual experience changes according to the ambient light, revealing hidden layers of depth.

Ambient Suggestions

Given its magnificent nature and cultural heritage, this piece is ideal for spaces of prestige and authority. It is the ideal choice for the main salon of a superyacht, where the geometric theme and deep blue connect with the marine environment. Similarly, in the lobby of a five-star hotel with historical roots, or in executive offices where technical sophistication must go hand-in-hand with a profound cultural narrative.

Framing: A floating frame (shadow box) with a dark or matte charcoal wood molding is suggested to let the work breathe. It is crucial to use anti-reflective museum glass with UV protection to preserve the texture of the paper and the depth of the blacks.