Artist Statement
In the realm of my creative expression, I navigate the vivid intricacies of color, the rhythm of geometric patterns, and the fluidity of organic forms. My art is an exploration of the essence of our world—a world saturated in color. It is through this exploration that I seek to uncover and combine the myriad combinations of hues and tones, each reflective of the unique moments our era presents for discovery. Nature and still life's allure me, offering a canvas for my contemplation and creativity. Yet, my true fascination lies in transmuting the human condition onto my canvas, transforming it into a visual dialogue that transcends the ordinary.
Identifying as an ultra-contemporary artist, my sole pursuit is the celebration of life. I embrace kindness, art, and happiness as the pillars of my existence and creative philosophy. Each finished art piece is a renewal of my soul, a testament to the dedication I harbor towards my craft. The journey of each creation is marked by an arduous commitment, an ode to the relentless spirit of artistic endeavor.
I am perpetually a student, not just of the various art mediums that I adore exploring, but also of the vast and diverse worlds unveiled through the eyes of fellow artists and my own. My inspirations are deeply rooted in the transformative art movements of the 20th century and the contemporary artists of today, whose work continues to awe and challenge the boundaries of artistic expression.
My canvas is not a mirror to the physical world; it does not seek to replicate the exactness of places, people, or animals. Instead, I draw, paint, and detail from the realms of my imagination, embarking on a daily challenge to materialize my thoughts and visions. The process is a relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of my inner world, diligently detailing my canvas until I deem it complete. In my art, you will find no attempts at literal portrayal, only the purest form of my imaginative exploration, a journey of color, form, and emotion that invites the viewer into my perception of the world—a world where art is the ultimate celebration of life.
Biography
Born in the vibrant landscapes of Colombia in 1972, I, Carlos Buitrago, have woven the rich tapestry of my heritage into the canvas of the contemporary art scene from my current home in Los Angeles, California. My journey into the depths of artistic exploration began in 1997, when the halls of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles became my crucible, refining my talents and instilling in me a foundational philosophy of art.
The year 2006 heralded a pivotal chapter in my story as I embraced the role of apprentice under the tutelage of Anatole Krasnyansky. This chapter was more than an education; it was an immersion in a sea of creativity where I learned to swim against the currents of conventionality. My style began to metamorphose, drawing breath from the essence of my Latin American roots, enriched by the historical and cultural narratives that define them.
In 2011, the winds of inspiration carried me back to Colombia, the land of my birth. This return was not a retreat but a voyage deeper into the soul of my artistic identity. It was here, amidst the verdant landscapes and storied streets of South America, that my current body of work took shape—a symphony of Latin American art traditions, the raw, emotive power of the American Abstract Expressionist movement, the rebellious streak of graffiti art, and the structured chaos of Cubism.
California called me back in 2016, and since then, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, New York, London, and Miami have become stages where my art has been both a participant and a storyteller. My mission is a simple yet profound one: to connect with hearts and minds across the globe, sharing the narrative of my art, imbued with the essence of my unique perspective.
Today, as I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of art, my journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of transformation, and the endless quest for understanding through the lens of creativity. Each piece I create is not merely an expression of aesthetic but a dialogue with the viewer, an invitation to explore the myriad dimensions of life, art, and the pursuit of happiness. My work is a celebration, a challenge, and a love letter to the world, composed on the canvas of my dreams.