iván zulueta, image vanpire koldo almandoz
I iván zulueta A visit to the exhibition of Ivan Zulueta’s graphic work is certainly worth the effort. Apart from the spectacularly sequenced interview in the catalogue, you get the chance to see some rough sketches, photos, comics, film posters and improvised drawings reclaimed from the dusty vaults of his house. All his films can also be seen on video at the Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea. (From the 17/9/02 to the 31/10/02 at KM Kulturunea). I found it lying amongst old Jackie Chan films in a big metal box marked "2 Euro" in a supermarket. "Un dos tres al escondite inglés". Psyche-pop-delic entertainment filmed by Iván Zulueta. It reminded me of that night I saw "Arrebato" at Zinemaldia. I remember leaving the cinema and it taking me quite a while to decide if I had liked the film or not. I very rarely get that sensation. I remember feeling the same after seeing "Blue Velvet" by one of the directors I’m most fond of nowadays; David Lynch.
Iván Zulueta is the last-surviving kamikaze from a time when people could play around with cinema (as well as a few other things). He should be thanked for having used cinema to play and be risky with, something that doesn’t happen nowadays. Zulueta manipulates images. He captures them and makes them his own, just like a vampire does. Sometimes his bloodsucking treatment of images is quite skilful and interesting. Other times it’s not. All his games can both entertain and bore you. Iván Zulueta has become a bit of a cult figure these days. His life has conditioned his work. This modern-day Nosferatu will never be able to get away from that blessing/curse.
Iván Zulueta is the last-surviving kamikaze from a time when people could play around with cinema (as well as a few other things). He should be thanked for having used cinema to play and be risky with, something that doesn’t happen nowadays. Zulueta manipulates images. He captures them and makes them his own, just like a vampire does. Sometimes his bloodsucking treatment of images is quite skilful and interesting. Other times it’s not. All his games can both entertain and bore you. Iván Zulueta has become a bit of a cult figure these days. His life has conditioned his work. This modern-day Nosferatu will never be able to get away from that blessing/curse.
