Daniel Correa Mejía
B. 1986, Medellín, Colombia. Lives and works in Berlin.
Daniel Correa Mejía uses a consistent palette of deep azure and sharp crimson in his dreamy paintings. On rough jute fabric, the artist depicts flowing human bodies in darkened, void-like settings, often using his subjects to stand in for specific emotions. For instance, in El duelo (2023)—featured in “Soy el dueño de mi casa,” his solo show at P·P·O·W last year—a contemplative red figure, his legs twisted like a corkscrew, hovers as if in the sky. The title, meaning “the mourning” in Spanish, illuminates the painting’s symbolism: The figure’s edges are blurred, as if he is disintegrating, representing the spiritual loss of self that can accompany grief.
Many of Mejía’s works also depict queer bodies in intimate settings, curled up nude in repose or deep in sexual communion. These couples appear unconcerned with the viewer’s gaze, creating their own, private universe of love.
P·P·O·W recently added the artist to its roster and will present work by him at Art SG in January. His work is on view through December 7th in a solo show at Mor Charpentier in Bogotá, following a solo show with Maureen Paley in London this summer. He was also included in group shows at Galerie Judin in Berlin and Museum More in Holland this year.