10 Latin American Artists to Watch Out for in 2023
ByAmabelle ChandraImage courtesy of Gonzalo Contreras del Solar
In the vibrant and diverse art scene, Latin American art is one to keep a watchful eye on. Encompassing the South with an array of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and many more, their culture embarks us on a journey through rich history and remarkable contributions to the world of art. Browse through below as the Artling introduces ten talented Latin American artists that share their narratives, challenges to conventional notions of art, and unique perspectives with diverse mediums and styles to the global art scene.
"Art is the lie that brings us closer to the truth", says Eduardo Enrique.
A notable Venezuelan artist creating artworks as a commentary to society is Eduardo Enrique. He finds inspiration in globalization and the idea that we are all part of a global society, no matter where we come from or what language we speak. The Last Dance is a reproduction on Matisse‘s work, disrupting the dance’s traditional joy, symbolizing consumerism in timeless art. The Climber is a painting framed in a canvas portraying mountains embellished with shoulder straps and mountaineering utilities. The subject of the painting inspired the concept behind the artwork. Underlines by the vanishing point, the top of the mountain is an unmissable feature one is left to ponder upon.
Alejandro Vega is a Venezuelan sculptor based in Barcelona, Spain. Sculpting his plane-centered sculptures otherwise known as Barricadas, the sculptures are a result of exploration on the geometric concept on the plane beyond its quality as a flat surface. Alejandro’s work process is a combination of his renowned digital techniques and traditional metal works.
When asked where does inspiration draw from, Mariano Molina says, "I visit many exhibitions and use to walk downtown in Buenos Aires City to take pictures of crowds".
Visual illusions Argentina artist Mariano Molina graduated as a painting and drawing professor at the School of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires. Looking for crowds in every city he visits, Mariano takes photographs and selects ones he will make as point of departures towards his paintings. Rebuilding the image on photoshop, he mixes traditional and newer mediums to result in the canvas. The NT series were first taken from political conflicts which were then developed into pictorial poetry. In Mariano Molina’s work, demonstrations are a recurring motif. Working with crowds of people gives him the opportunity to expand their formats to translate them into full-scale murals and urban interventions.
Exploring the physical structure and the possibilities of sculpture through photography, Javier Rey is an artist and photographer based in Colombia. Mirages #3 presents the concept of a grand utopian city that is under constant debate due to its fragility. Inhabited by people who pose a threat to it, Mirages is a project that interprets this unattainable city idea, portraying it as weak and susceptible to societal pressures. The project creates a series of floating, unpolluted crystalline structures that appear as though they are above the ground, forming a connection between the natural and artificial realms. It symbolizes how contemporary society often holds onto the notion of perfection that is impossible to achieve.
“When I want to find inspiration, I go with my lover to the beach, or also to the forest. I take photos, of small spaces, tree leaves, brances, stones…” says Cristian Cuevas Pardo.
Using his hands as the main tool, Cristian Cuevas Pardo is an artist from the south of Chile creating sculptures that are minimal and organice. In the natural landscape of matter and space, Cristian finds inspiration from the naturalistic and organic aspect of his work. What interests him is “man as a changing entity of that so-called landscape”. As it deconstructs and builds into something else in different angles that allow appreciation, Cristian approaches his work similarly. He is working to develop his works from different areas, both in traditional methods and towards new digital media.
Light, shadow, geometry, and colors are inspiration for Tola Navarro, a painter in born in Caracas, Venezuela. Tola goes to the mountain to hike and walk for hours to suprise himself with ideas. Using spray paint and iron, his work Paper Light is a series of Origami inspired that creates an effect of volumetric realistic geometry. Created by folding paper origami style, Tola then starts painting with the medium spray paint which results to the effect of a paper texture painting.
Laura Porcelli says, “I am an artist by vocation and training but above all by necessity. Art gives value to my existence.”
Themes of movement and light in nature is a depth of Laura Porcelli‘s work. Inspired by her Latin American roots of Argentina, Laura who is based in Sāo Paulo is known for her abstract acrylic paintings that are vivid powerful, and dynamic that incorporates color, texture, and layer. Espacio Compartido (Shared Spaces) is a part of the "Nests" Series, where representations of flowers, leaves, plants, branches, and abstract effects engage in a circular dance, forming a nest that reflects light, movement, and reflections. It symbolizes an organic nest with communal spaces for its inhabitants, emphasizing the continuous dynamics of caring for and maintaining our sense of belonging.
Describing his work as reflecting, free, filled with love, and dreams is photographer Isaac Renteria based in Mexico. In addition, Renteria's distinctive still-life scenes are imbued with symbolism. While some aspects are intentional, others originate from his subconscious. Almost all of the objects featured in his digital photographs are made by him in his studio. His photograph Veritas comes from "Landscape of pleasure", a personal vision of dreamscapes.
My father once told me, “Life is simple, but humans strive to make it complicated. I love simple things in life, they are the most beautiful.” says Aramis Justiz.
Aramis Justiz, currently based in Barcelona creates sculptures based on his background, blending Cuban influences with new perspectives gained from living and working in Sitges, Spain. As an artist, Aramis is driven by a deep fascination with the creative potential of human hands, which they consider their primary tools of expression. This approach has often involved a fusion of traditional materials, given the limitations of modern technologies and materials in their home country. The Distortions series, features sculptures designed to hang on walls. The artist explores the interplay of lines, concave and convex planes, and the shadows they cast. Additionally, color plays a pivotal role in these sculptures, enhancing their forms and volumes.
Gonzalo Contreras del Solar said, “It was late 1955 when my eyes peeped at the city of La Paz near the high Andes. Since then, they have learned by capturing sparkles of light.”
A dedicated photographer whose work spans both film and digital mediums is Gonzalo Contreras del Solar, based in Chile. He is a passionate photographer with an unwavering fascination for the shapes and patterns created by water, influenced by factors like temperature and light. Each time he captures the same scene, he discovers a unique expression. He shares these distinctive expressions through large prints, paying tribute to the abundance, delicacy, and indispensable nature of water.
In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Latin America has emerged as a hotbed of artistic innovation. As these artists continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences, there is no better time than now to discover their works.
View more works by these talented artists here.
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