Artist :FELIPE ALARCÓN ECHENIQUE

Felipe Alarcón Echenique , Nace en la Habana 21 , 03, 1966 In my work I try to superimpose images with different microworlds.

The images have no horizon line and fly on the two-dimensional surface looking for a role in front of the viewer. In an instant or at this moment many events happen, a child is born, another dies, a river overflows, night falls and it is these events that I try to capture in my work, reflecting it in a conceptual way.

I do not develop a static image or a linear composition because I think I limit the magnitude of the spontaneous. I use the techniques of drawing, collage, painting and engraving.

Drawing and collage prevail in my work because with ink, gouache and pencil I can give a more dramatic vision to the work, and with collage express myself with more freedom and originality when trying to capture the outside world and translate it to my work through images.

Bringing nature inside through vivid abstraction. I am inspired by the natural world – the hues, contours and textures of canyon walls, sand patterns, stone, tree bark and plant life. We most often admire nature from a distance. It’s an entirely different experience when viewed close-up. Intricate detail, shapes and designs are formed biologically or by wind, water or fire. Chemistry also inspires me. When the effects of chemical reactions on copper and brass produce an array of striking colors and patterns – I like to say it’s when chemistry becomes ‘art’.

The initial step in my creative process is to create and photograph patina metal. Then, I digitally merge that photo with one or more close-up photos of texture found in nature. I scale, skew, or distort to enhance the texture detail and depth of the composition. It may take minutes or hours to find the most pleasing distribution and balance of color and texture. But regardless of time,
I lose myself in the process and this is most gratifying. The final composite image is printed on metal.