Osvaldo Sequeira

Costa Rica, b.1969

Lives and works in San José, Costa Rica

Osvaldo Sequeira captures intimate scenes, centring on the human figure and enigmatic characters. Through his paintings, Sequeira portrays the intricate expressions and personalities that define the human experience, prompting viewers to ponder the essence of humanity and their own reality.

Having graduated from the University of Costa Rica with a degree in Graphic Design, Sequeira initially embarked on a career in animation. He founded the animation studio Estudio Flex, which gained international and national recognition and he is one of the founding members of Santa Gráfica, an art academy encompassing animation, comics, painting, drawing, character design, and bookmaking.

Drawing on his background in animation, Sequeira develops a distinctive painting style, using his foundation in design principles, aesthetics, and visual narrative. He emphasises the significance of drawing, sketching, and structural analysis in developing an understanding of linear perspective and volumetric representation. Drawing from direct observation is a crucial aspect of his creative process, allowing him to “see” and capture moments truthfully. Influenced by impressionist artists like Joaquín Sorolla and Gustave Caillebotte, he practices “en plein air” painting, maintaining an observational edge while working directly from nature. His 100% representational work relies on a solid command of perspective and form structure, highlighting the pivotal role of drawing in his artistic expression.

Sequeira has shown extensively across Costa Rica, including most recently at Etérea Gallery in San José, and his work can be found in collections worldwide, including in Spain, Colombia and the USA. Whether portraying the streets of San José or the beaches of Guanacaste, his art invites viewers to explore the intersection of reality and imagination through the lens of the human experience.

Portrait of Osvaldo Sequeira in his studio, 2023. Abstract impressionist figurative painting in the background.

Osvaldo Sequeira in his studio, 2023 (Photography by Julio Sequeira)

"Paper and pencil are always available; it’s only a matter of keeping our eyes open." Sequeira 2023