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“Being locked up due to the pandemic caused a great desire for expression that appeared in my desire to paint and that opened the door to abstraction.”
The Genesis of an Artistic Journey
Claudia Aedo, a Chilean abstract artist, has cultivated a unique artistic voice that intertwines her rich familial heritage with her diverse academic interests. Born into a family of artists and merchants, Claudia’s upbringing was steeped in a blend of creativity and commerce. Her father was a businessman, while her mother had a profound love for literature, fostering an environment where both artistic and intellectual pursuits were encouraged. Claudia’s early fascination with science, mathematics, and art made her educational choices challenging. Ultimately, she pursued Civil Engineering at the University of Chile, a decision that significantly shaped her artistic methodology, equipping her with tools that later influenced her creative process.
During her university years, Claudia faced the profound loss of her father, which led her to manage the family business for several years. Despite this detour, her passion for painting never waned. Throughout the 1990s and into 2020, Claudia’s work predominantly featured figurative representations of nature, characterized by vibrant colors and emotional depth. However, the pandemic of 2021 catalyzed a pivotal shift in her artistic direction. The creation of an abstract piece titled ‘Pandemic’ marked her transition from figurative to abstract art, emphasizing monochromatic tones and larger formats. This period of intense creative output saw Claudia expanding her studio, establishing an online presence, and showcasing her work at various exhibitions and fairs.
Claudia Aedo: Embracing Abstract Expressionism
Claudia Aedo’s artistic style is deeply rooted in abstract expressionism, a genre that allows her to explore a vast array of themes through her unique visual language. Her works often reflect personal memories, capturing moments from her past and translating them into abstract forms. Additionally, she delves into contemporary themes, exploring the impacts of technological advancements and societal changes. Claudia’s experiences in her family’s house factory frequently emerge in her art, symbolizing the intersection of industrial and personal histories.
Claudia’s creative process is both intuitive and iterative. She begins with a concept or an impulse, often inspired by the materials at hand—paints, brushes, and fabrics. Music plays a crucial role in her studio, setting the tone for her artistic explorations. Her techniques involve painting, stamping, and dripping, moving the canvas between the floor, the wall, and the easel until the piece feels complete. This dynamic process allows her to continuously interpret and rework her creations, making each piece a journey of self-discovery and reflection on the world around her.
Despite the myriad distractions of modern life, Claudia maintains a disciplined approach to her art. She believes in the necessity of a structured schedule, countering the romanticized notion of waiting for inspiration. For Claudia, consistent work fosters creativity, allowing inspiration to flow more readily. This methodical rigor underscores her belief that the artist’s duty is to remain engaged with their craft, continuously pushing the boundaries of their expression.
From Inspiration to Execution
Claudia Aedo’s artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the works of expressionists and surrealists. Artists such as Roberto Matta, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Pierre Soulages have left an indelible mark on her creative vision. Matta’s piece, “Original mud, Be careful with the developers,” holds special significance for Claudia. This monochromatic work, depicting a futuristic factory, resonates with her due to Matta’s ability to anticipate the future and create a comprehensive world within his art. The piece’s timeless relevance and expressive power exemplify the depth and foresight Claudia aspires to in her own work.
Claudia’s primary medium is painting, which she finds the most comfortable and expressive. However, she harbors a keen interest in exploring sculpture, particularly acrylic sculptures, as a potential future avenue for her creativity. This expansion into three-dimensional forms represents Claudia’s ongoing quest to push the limits of her artistic practice and explore new ways of expressing her ideas.
In terms of future aspirations, Claudia dreams of taking her works beyond Chile, to other Latin American countries and the United States. This ambition reflects her desire to share her unique perspective on abstract art with a broader audience, fostering connections and dialogues across different cultures and contexts. Her vision of international exhibitions underscores her commitment to expanding her artistic horizons and engaging with a global community.
Claudia Aedo: The Artistic Alchemist
Claudia Aedo’s workspace is a vibrant hub of creativity, equipped with an array of paints, brushes, and fabrics. The environment is crucial to her process, providing the tools and atmosphere necessary for her to immerse herself in her art. Music is an essential component, infusing her studio with energy and inspiration. Claudia’s approach to painting is fluid and dynamic, involving multiple iterations of applying and reworking materials until the piece reaches its final form.
Her methodology often begins with a vague concept or an impulsive stroke, which then evolves through layers of paint and fabric manipulation. This spontaneous start allows Claudia to explore various directions within a single piece, gradually uncovering its final expression. The iterative process is not just about creating a finished artwork; it is also a means for Claudia to understand herself better, interpreting her thoughts and emotions through the medium of paint.
Managing distractions is a challenge in today’s fast-paced world, but Claudia addresses this by adhering to a strict schedule and maintaining a disciplined work ethic. She rejects the notion of waiting for inspiration, instead believing that consistent effort and routine bring about creative breakthroughs. This philosophy underscores her commitment to her craft, emphasizing the importance of dedication and persistence in the artistic process.
Claudia’s influences and inspirations are diverse, yet they all converge in her distinctive style. Her work is a testament to her ability to blend personal history, contemporary themes, and artistic traditions into compelling abstract compositions. Each piece she creates is a reflection of her ongoing journey as an artist, continually evolving and expanding her creative boundaries. Through her art, Claudia Aedo invites viewers to join her in this exploration, offering a glimpse into her world and the many layers that define it.
