Raul de la Torre (b. Barcelona, Catalonia) first began making razor cuts on canvas nearly two decades ago, shortly after reading an interview with Catalan artist Joan Miró. In the article, Miró famously declared the “assassination of painting,” which consequently inspired Torre’s artistic process. He began creating a series of work involving large cuts on canvas filled with materials such as cardboard, old T-shirts, and paper.In his more recent work, THREADS AND COLORS–FILS I COLORS, Raul explores the combination of color and destruction of the canvas’ working surface. In this series, he attempts to find what he describes as the “third dimension” through the use of different materials. Initially he removes paint from the artistic equation by slicing works and combining canvas and paper with select materials. Gradually, the slicing gets more persistent, but he also provides more paint for a feeling of “freshness and movement.” The interaction between the artist, gravity, and paint is important for the final result. The technique he employs attempts to “eliminate the absolute imprint of the artist's hand.” This allows paint to be the major architect of the final result, giving it a life of its own that results in infinite and timeless color combinations.A second part of FILS I COLORS is the embroidery element, which like it or not, brings the artists hand back into the work. Because they are meticulously matched to the paint colors, the thread is invisible at first, only revealing itself on closer inspection. When combined with light, these shapes offer different views to observers. Because they literally break through the surface of the canvas, the push out into a more literal and material world, hovering somewhere between sculpture, textile art, and paintings. Raul de la Torre studied art in Barcelona before moving to Los Angeles where he is an active member of the contemporary art community. He exhibits internationally with recent shows in New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Toronto. He has also particiapted in exhibitions in Portugal, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and Spain. He lives and works in Santa Monica, California.