I use drawing and painting as an automatic form of expression, allowing my language to evolve and grow naturally without seeking specific meanings.
Fernando Barrios Benavides: A Multifaceted Artist with a Psychological Approach to Portraiture
Fernando Barrios Benavides is an artist with diverse skills including painting, sculpture, design, and draftsmanship. His primary focus is portraiture, which he approaches from a psychological perspective. His artistic process is driven by a fascination with the ordinary and ephemeral, using drawing and painting as a means of spontaneous self-expression rather than a search for specific meanings.
As a native of Madrid, Spain, it is difficult to quantify the full extent to which his city of origin has influenced his work. However, it is undeniable that the numerous world-class museums and art collections present in Madrid have had a positive impact on his development as an artist. Being exposed to such a wealth of cultural resources has been a privilege, and he is grateful for the opportunities that the vibrant contemporary art scene in Madrid has afforded him. While competition can be fierce, he is hopeful that the city will continue to support and nurture the talents of emerging creators and encourage the growth of new ideas.
Exploring the Creative Process through Diverse Works of Art
He creates a diverse range of works including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. He finds that working on multiple pieces simultaneously allows him to fully immerse himself in the creative process and explore various techniques. In his studio, you’ll often find an array of unfinished works scattered throughout the space, as he seeks to continually refine and evolve his ideas through repetition and exploration. It is through these “blessed mistakes” that he is able to push the boundaries of his artistic practice and discover new possibilities.
He finds inspiration in a wide variety of sources, but music and poetry tend to have a particularly profound impact on him. Some of the poets whose work has inspired him include José Val del Omar, Pedro Salinas, Vicente Aleixandre, Walt Whitman, and Anna Akhmatova.
Muros Refugio: Psychological and Emotional Dimensions in Material Experimentation
One of the artist’s most notable exhibitions was “Muros Refugio” (Shelter Walls) at the 7 Islas Hotel in Madrid, which marked a significant shift in his artistic trajectory. This exhibition was the result of a lengthy period of experimentation and contemplation and took place in a unique and challenging setting. “Shelter Walls” explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of material experimentation, particularly in relation to the history and experiences of those who live in spaces marked by ruin and rubble. Through his art, Barrios Benavides aims to give value to this history by using honest construction materials to depict the daily lives and emotions of those who inhabit these spaces. This includes a range of mediums, from traditional painting and drawing to more unconventional materials like cement and plaster.
“Shelter Walls” investigates the psychological and emotional dimensions of material experimentation, particularly in relation to the history and experiences of those who live in spaces marked by ruin and rubble. Through artistic creation, the artist aims to give value to this history by using honest construction materials to depict the daily lives and emotions of those who inhabit these spaces. This includes a range of emotions, from joy and celebration in everyday moments to sadness and helplessness in difficult circumstances. The exhibition also emphasizes the significance of color, particularly the sky-blue hue often favored by children, as a symbol of these complex human emotions.
Embracing the Present and Pursuing a Dream
He is currently pursuing his dream project of dedicating himself to creating art. His ultimate goal is to continue to evolve as an artist and explore the boundless potential of his craft. While he does have aspirations for his work to be recognized and exhibited in galleries and museums in the future, he is focused on embracing the present and all the exciting opportunities it brings. Connecting with others through his art and receiving their appreciation is a truly fulfilling experience that drives him to keep creating.
Art has played a significant role in his life, providing not only a source of enjoyment, but also serving as a form of therapy and a means to connect with others. It has become a central part of his identity and something that he devotes much of his time and energy towards. Through his involvement with art, he has had the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships and has been enriched in countless ways. Overall, it is an integral part of his life and he cannot imagine not having it as a part of his daily experience.
