This is a very interesting and remarkable painting done in 1981 which not only incorporates the smoke from the train but many of the earlier experiences with tri-dimensional textures as well as textures achieved by transparent layers.

The composition is superb and one can witness another of his trademarks: splendid and masterful control of the art of painting, resulting in very fine, highly precious surfaces denoting the hand of a master.

1982 silk screen showing views from his window. But nothing is just so simple. The next painting, dated 1983 shows another masterpiece of composition when again the artist assembles many of his past experiences. It is a process of accumulation and combination of experiences and processes. The third painting done in 1984 incorporates once more, water elements that can be easily identified on the detail. It is the convocation, the return to revisited roots.

This drawing dated 1958 is of great importance, for many elements present in the series of the 1980's are already shown and recognizable in this superb drawing at the exhibition. Through its thorough observation one can very much see how the journey begun in Luís Demée's mind, while on the other hand he felt the need to fulfil many stages before he could feel legitimate to return to these roots which originate from his teens.

This detail of a 1984 painting shows another element that appears in the 1980's. Figurative elements, which, in this case are directly linked with the artists memories of his early years in Macau.

1984

1984

1985

1985

These abstract compositions are always linked to the maritime life as we decoded in the 1958 drawing. The painting on the right incorporated many of his previous experiences of Op Art of the 70's as well as textures obtained by layers of paint in the same decade.

This decade is mainly the consolidation and permanent evolution where the mature artist indulges in all his previous achievements and in different colours. Demée never fit in any art movement. Instead he had different experiences but never lost his own identity. At this stage there is no more need for explanations.

1990

1990

1990

1990

2000s

Due to lack of adequate pictures, it can only be stated that Luís Demée's journey continues into the 21st. century with the same energy and quality, which incorporates one other quality: his paintings are instantly identified.

António Conceição Júnior
Exhibition Curator