August 14, 2024 0 Contemporary art Belinda The Power of Color Cover image: Alonso Durán, Forces of Nature II, Acrylic on canvas Photography by Julio Sequeira MÍRAME Fine Art profiles five artists who use unique use of color is central to their practice, reflecting cultural identity, psychological states, and narrative complexity. This examination of colorful Costa Rican art offers insights into how these artists employ distinctive palettes to engage with broader themes within the art world. MÍRAME Contact Information: MÍRAME Fine Art Email: [email protected] Website: www.miramefineart.com Follow: Facebook | Instagram Carolina Guillermet: Architectural Influence and Color Theory Carolina Guillermet, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas Carolina Guillermet’s work, informed by her background in architecture and the urban landscapes of San José, represents a disciplined approach to color theory. Her geometric paintings and tapestries investigate the interaction of colors—how they contrast, merge, and provoke specific emotional responses. Guillermet’s compositions extend Latin American color traditions into contemporary practice, exploring the role of color in shaping cultural identity within the framework of Costa Rican art. Milo Gonzalez: Figurative Tradition with Modernist Tones Milo Gonzalez, Plaintain Sellers, Oil on canvas Milo Gonzalez reinterprets Costa Rican figurative painting through a lens of earthy tones, energised by vibrant hues. His works capture everyday Costa Rican life, from domestic scenes to broader cultural motifs, and are influenced by Cubism and modernist techniques. Gonzalez’s application of color, spontaneous and dynamic, bridges Costa Rican traditions with a broader, emotional resonance, offering a fresh perspective on cultural identity. Katrin Aason: Ancient Techniques in Contemporary Practice Katrin Aason, A.C 16 - 1448B, Woven Ribbon Katrin Aason’s work involves a revival of traditional dyeing techniques, often using natural dyes sourced from materials like avocado pits and onion skins. Her geometric woven ribbons blend innovation with tradition, linking her art to the broader histories of Central and South America. Aason’s use of color is both a narrative and a historical tool, positioning her work within the broader context of Costa Rican contemporary art. She is enjoying a ground-breaking solo exhibition, titled "Mas Alla Del Indigo" (Beyond Indigo) at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design in San José, running to 23 November 2024. Read more about it here. It's show not to be missed if you're in Costa Rica's capital city. Lucía Howell Vargas: Dance, Movement, and Color Lucía Howell Vargas, Untitled 1, Acrylic on canvas Lucía Howell Vargas merges her background in dance with her visual art practice, creating an interplay between movement and color. Her use of a muted palette—soft blues, greys, and contrasting flashes of pink and black—evokes the visual language of photo negatives. Howell Vargas transforms ordinary objects into complex visual experiences, using color to elicit introspective reactions and challenging the viewer’s perception. Alonso Durán: Precision and Spontaneity in Color Alonso Durán’s abstract paintings are characterized by a careful balance between mathematical precision and organic expression. His methodical color mixing results in warm, vibrant palettes that capture the energy of Costa Rican landscapes. Durán’s work explores the tension between chaos and order, with his color choices guided by a deep understanding of mathematical principles, resulting in a dynamic exploration of time, space, and movement on canvas. MÍRAME Fine Art: A Platform for Costa Rican Artists MÍRAME Fine Art highlights colorful Costa Rican art that brings innovative perspectives to the Central American art scene. These artists, and many others in MÍRAME's portfolio, use color not merely as decoration but as a means of exploring identity, history, and the complexities of contemporary life. MÍRAME Fine Art remains committed to fostering a deeper understanding of Costa Rican art, offering a platform for these voices to reach a global audience. For further information, please contact Belinda Seppings at [email protected]
