Issa Salliander

Galería Hilario Galguera presents Issa Salliander x Den of Wolves. During Art Week, there will be extended hours Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

A collaboration exploring the disparity between physical and digital painting through the lens of sensory engagement... The digital process navigates a realm of pixels and screens, distancing the artist from the tactile interaction with the artwork, yet simultaneously giving it a life of its own as the game becomes “reality”.

–Issa Salliander.

The exhibition began as an artistic interpretation of four unique masks designed for an exhibition in Stockholm, 2024 with Den of Wolves, drawing from the game’s intricate themes and visual narrative. These masks became the foundation for a broader exploration of identity, group conformity, and inner conflict. Over time, Salliander expanded the concept into a new series of paintings that delve into the psychological and symbolic dimensions of ego and collective identity.

Den of Wolves serves as both inspiration and thematic foundation for Salliander’s work. The masks – central to the game’s storyline – are reimagined through her artistic lens, deepening the dialogue between individuality and collective consciousness. These works, alongside her new painting, will be on view at Galería Hilario Galguera from February 4th, 2025, during ZONA MACO Art Week, until April.

Salliander’s practice challenges traditional artistic boundaries by juxtaposing physical and digital painting. While physical painting encourages direct engagement with materials, creating an emotional bond between the artist and canvas; digital painting operates within the screen’s domain, offering detachment from materiality yet opening new creative possibilities. This contrast invites reflection on how digital tools reshape artistic processes and perceptions, sparking dialogue on the evolving relationship between technology and creativity.

At the heart of Salliander’s work is an exploration of belief systems and dichotomies, concepts that shape human identity and interaction. By integrating philosophical, cultural, and psychological perspectives, her art invites viewers to reflect on how these frameworks influence both individual and collective behavior.

This exhibition aims to create an inclusive space for art enthusiasts, collectors, and the gaming community to experience Salliander’s multidisciplinary approach. By highlighting the synergy between contemporary art and digital gaming, this collaboration reinforces the gallery’s commitment to exploring innovative intersections of art and technology.

–Galería Hilario Galguera