Artist Statement
“Questioning, observing, and listening, along with keeping an open mind to dialogue, make you a person with fewer prejudices and greater curiosity towards culture and human understanding. This fosters the development of your own critical thinking, which in turn leads you to empathy.”
My work is inspired by the practice of classical portraiture, merging technical precision with a deep exploration of the human condition. For me, painting a portrait is an intimate journey of discovery, moving beyond mere physical likeness to reveal the psychological depths that define an individual’s essence. Through meticulous attention to proportion, chiaroscuro, and detailed rendering, I craft images that embody elegance, romanticism, and timeless beauty.
My portraits often weave in symbols or objects of personal significance, such as hidden symbols or fragments of text from classic literature, chosen to evoke emotions or ideas that resonate with me. Some pieces serve as indirect self-portraits, emerging intuitively from imagined faces, while others depict strangers whose stories I’ve uncovered through photographs and chance encounters. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand myself through others, I approach each work as both an observer and listener, engaging with the world by actively observing my surroundings and conversing spontaneously with people I meet on the street. This process allows me to capture the essence of the world I live in, whether through hyperrealistic documentary drawings that vividly embody individuals, precise photography, figure studies, or abstract portraits laced with subtle symbolism reflecting my emotional response to life.
My creative process is instinctive, guided by curiosity rather than a fixed style. When an idea strikes, I feel a compelling need to paint it, releasing it from my mind; otherwise, it lingers. Ideas may arise spontaneously while I work, flowing from my imagination without over analysis—I simply let them take shape. Over time, I’ve explored diverse styles, letting my passions and fleeting inspirations steer my art. Rather than imposing immediate meaning, I trust my sensitivity to the world, drawing nourishment from cultural experiences to create authentic, moment-driven works.
- Paulina Bours
“Our task is to become more human. If we are guided by curiosity and a willingness to learn, always taking as a reference the human essence of life, solidarity, compassion, respect for others, and the relativity of perspectives. We will move toward a more human world.”
- Jose Saramago