Gelpi was born in Lisbon in 1985 and studied film and fine arts at the Escola Secundaria António Arroio in Lisbon and the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires. Since 2006, he has been a freelance artist, film director and special effects designer. His work can be seen in the recent films Nuit de Chien and 20,13.
Gelpi told culture.hu that he made up the title for the Budapest exhibition only a few days before the show's opening. The material is based on personal memories and impressions of his family, his environment and the relationship with his ex-girlfriend.
An illuminated installation on display in the middle of the gallery symbolises a personal space where emotions and thoughts exist, ones that we do not really think about, Gelpi said. The adhesive tape used on the piece symbolises the memories of the character.
The various faces surrounding the central character are embodiments of external and internal pressures that influence the character as he tries to free himself from them, Gelpi said.
This is Gelpi's first indoor exhibition. "It is also strange for me because I much prefer the street, as I do not think it is great confine art between four walls," Gelpi said.
Metamor, which is part of the Budapest Gallery's Budapest Lisbon art exchange programme, runs until August 14.
Author: Eszter Szász
