Pablo Mejias

Pablo Mejias’ oeuvre is characterised by bold themes revolving around death, eroticism, and metaphysics, with the human being consistently at the heart of his work. Predominantly working with oil paint, Mejias also uses ink or pencil on paper. He begins with the grisaille technique, manipulating shades of grey, before playing with the interplay of light and dark, and employing the presence of candles in his studio to create dramatic effects. This technique helps to create imaginative worlds, often on a grand scale, and crafted compositions that teem with enigmatic characters within otherworldly landscapes. His paintings, a testament to his personal trauma following the death of his brother when he was young, delve into the depths of the human psyche, portraying the turmoil of the soul.

Mejias’ paintings resonate with dark and unsettling themes, where the grotesque and the fantastic intertwine. His compositions often feature figures immersed in water, symbolising both drowning and emergence. Additionally, Mejias incorporates birds and fish into his works, with the deceased birds suspended or transforming into half-human, half-bird entities with broad feathered wings that evoke angelic undertones. The fish, whether cradled delicately in hands or arranged in a market-like display, exude a visceral sense of decay and deterioration. These hellscapes mirror the complexities of human existence, tapping into the recesses of human desire and our deepest fears, leaving viewers suspended in a realm where narratives meld and twist, inviting them to grapple with the ineffable.

Influenced by artists, such as Francis Bacon and Edvard Munch, Mejias has gained recognition for his provocative artworks that encourage deep contemplation, serving as a mirror of his psychic characteristics and acting as a confessional outlet. His work has been shown across Costa Rica, including at the National Gallery of Costa Rica in San José.