Reflections [ Latin America ]
During my first leg of travel through Latin America in 2021 I began to notice and capture the fascinating colors of eroded wall paint. This proved to be inspirational and a motivating factor behind a creative process that continues to build as I journey forward. To be clear, this entire project was initiated organically, without prior intent or direction. It simply evolved out of curiosity and a desire to create art that reflected observations.
The concept of my work is derived from patterns and symbols developed by the native cultures of Mexico, Central and South America. The components of each piece are built from images of paint that I foraged and integrated with selective wall art from the streets to blend epochs of time in a variety of compositions highlighting space, color, and texture.
Unlike traditional art that uses pencil or paint, I'm using photographic images as a medium to produce digital art representing a unique interpretation of Latin America in the 21rst century.
Ideally, the work is designed to be presented as Giclée Prints in a large a large format in order to highlight details within each piece. For now, It's best to view the work with a full screen - desk or laptop.
Symbols
The circular form is ideal for telling visual stories that represent a sequence of events through time. It's an element that appears often within the indigenous art work of Latin America. I have created a modern adaptation of these symbols by integrating the colors and textures of captured wall paint with regional wall art representing a unique aesthetic or an important cultural statement.
Patterns
Geometric shapes and repetition of pattern are common themes within indigenous designs. Often, they represent geographic direction, calendar time and/or elements of the non-material world. Others are used to designate specific tribes and regions.
Like the symbols above, I've borrowed ancient patterns and built them with images of wall paint from the cities I've explored. Underneath each primary pattern I've incorporated complimentary or contrasting components of street art to enhance the complexity of each piece.
Urban Grid
This is a minimalist expression of the urban aesthetics observed along the course of my travels. The grid expresses an archetype of Spanish Colonial cities. The blocks, their components. The art, its culture.
Textiles
Naturally died textiles are an important component of the indigenous cultures in Latin America. The work below represents my interpretation of the aesthetic by weaving patterns of wall paint into compositions that are reflective of cloth.
