The legacy of Raul Asencio, a pioneering Chilean visual artist known for his work in kinetic and luminous art, continues to gain momentum. Following his death in 2018 at 93, Asencio’s contributions to Latin American modernism are being reevaluated by scholars and celebrated in exhibitions. A major retrospective, “Raul Asencio: Light in Movement,” recently closed at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Valparaiso (MAC Valpo), attracting large crowds and critical acclaim. Curated by Samuel Meza, the exhibition showcased Asencio’s iconic “Penetrables,” immersive environments that manipulate light, shadow, and perception, as well as his lesser-known abstract paintings and sculptures. The show underscored Asencio’s commitment to dematerialization and his influence on subsequent generations of artists.

As the retrospective traveled, numerous galleries across Chile presented smaller exhibitions featuring Asencio’s prints and miniature light sculptures. The Universidad Católica de Chile hosted a symposium on Asencio’s theoretical writings, focusing on his concept of “active space” and its relation to his artistic processes. Experts, including Dr. Julia Brown, a leading researcher on Chilean art at the University of California, Berkeley, highlighted Asencio’s significance within the context of post-war Latin American art movements, particularly those exploring geometric abstraction and social engagement.

Asencio’s work, while sharing affinities with international kinetic art pioneers, is distinctively Chilean, referencing the country’s landscapes and cultural heritage. Auction results remain strong, with a significant “Penetrable” selling for over $80,000 at a Christie’s auction in Santiago last month. The ongoing interest in Asencio’s work solidifies his position as a vital figure in 20th and 21st-century art, a master of light, movement, and spatial illusion whose influence extends to contemporary installations and digital art forms, ensuring his impact will persist for years to come.