Jorge Murillo: The Architect of Colour and Form in Costa Rican Contemporary Abstract Art

Jorge Murillo, is a Costa Rican abstract artist who balances precision with expressiveness. With a background in architecture, Murillo brings a unique structural approach to his compositions, creating works that engage viewers through their interplay of geometry and colour. Having exhibited across Costa Rica and internationally, including the USA and Europe, Murillo is becoming a recognised figure in Costa Rican contemporary abstract art.

MÍRAME Fine Art is proud to represent Jorge Murillo.

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Themes of Beauty and Balance

Jorge Murillo states that his work engages with a series of recurring themes stemming from daily experiences, encompassing pleasure, work, and intimacy. He describes this exploration as a response to the aesthetic and chromatic wonders that arise from observing both natural and artistic beauty in his surroundings. This desire to capture and reinterpret images cultivated in his mind reflects his connection to design elements found in gardens, buildings, or decorative objects.

"I obsessively search for the beautiful and sublime, through geometric or organic forms, colours that speak, interconnect, merge and flow always with the ultimate desire to achieve balance." Murillo -- 2023

Jorge Murillo, Disidente, Acrylic on canvas

Each painting is a creative challenge and a pursuit of harmony amid life’s frenetic chaos. Murillo emphasises how colour manifests light, injecting his works with movement and emotion. This connection to nature and the elements deeply informs his artistic process, leading him to create compositions that resonate with viewers on visual and emotional levels.

Murillo's Bright Vision in Costa Rican contemporary abstract art

 Jorge Murillo, Hacia el Más Allá, Acrylic on canvas

"Hacia el Más Allá" (Towards the Beyond) is a multidimensional colour composition with a myriad of bright colours that is part of Jorge Murillo's new collection. This work, large in scale, exemplifies Murillo’s continued exploration of spatial dynamics, as squares and rectangles are layered across different planes, creating a sense of depth and movement. The smaller yellow squares, painted over the larger forms like playful spots, add texture and intimacy.

A single white circle on the lower mid-left, partially obscured by black, draws the eye and anchors the composition, blending spontaneity with deliberate structure. These different elements reflect Murillo's architectural background, and presents a complex, layered vision of space, prompting a contemplation of the physical and emotional landscapes that define his work.

A Foundation in Architecture and Design

Jorge Murillo, Desfragmentación Cromática, Acrylic on canvas

Murillo’s architectural training is a key influence on his work, seen in his careful handling of space and his calculated use of structure. His paintings are not random bursts of colour or chaotic shapes; instead, they are thoughtfully composed with an underlying sense of order that reflects his architectural background. This foundation allows Murillo to create works that feel grounded and deliberate, with each line, shape, and colour placement serving a purpose.

In works like "Desfragmentación Cromática", Murillo’s architectural roots are strongly evident. This large painting, characterised by a subdued colour palette and intersecting geometric shapes, exemplifies his control over structure. Murillo’s use of different shapes and lines establishes a balanced composition that is thoughtful and intricate. Rather than relying on overtly bold colours, this piece emphasises form, embodying a structured abstract approach that feels calm and meticulous.

The Power of Colour and Movement

Colour, for Murillo, is a force that shapes perception and evokes emotional responses. His choice of palette often draws from the natural beauty of Costa Rica, integrating tones that echo the landscapes around him. However, Murillo is equally interested in how colour interacts with geometric shapes to create rhythm and movement.

This focus on colour is evident in "Chromatic Shake", a painting with a lively palette of blues, reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and browns. The piece uses small, energetic marks to form squares and rectangles, resulting in a visual flow that conveys movement across the canvas. While the composition itself is geometric, there’s a fluidity that suggests we are viewing an abstracted landscape from above, a perspective that captures Murillo’s skill in blending structure with spontaneity.

Exploring Cultural Identity through Abstract Art

Jorge Murillo, La Teinamerikanische, Acrylic on canvas

Murillo’s work often subtly reflects his cultural background, even when the subject matter appears purely abstract. In "La Teinamerikanische", a smaller, intimate painting with blocks of green, pink, purple, blue, red, and yellow, he hints at a broader narrative. Rather than directly referencing specific cultural symbols, Murillo allows colour and composition to communicate a sense of place. The painting is a colourful geometric painting that manages to present the richness and warmth associated with Latin American identity, interpreted through Murillo’s abstract lens.

A Dynamic Approach to Brushwork and Scale

Jorge Murillo, Interactuemos, Acrylic on canvas

Murillo’s paintings range in size, but even his smaller works are packed with energy. "Interactuemos", a small square piece, demonstrates his command over brushwork and movement. The painting features rapid, colourful strokes that create a sense of rhythm across the canvas, adding to the sensation of visual movement that characterises much of his work. This dynamic brushstroke painting feels spontaneous, yet it is carefully structured, a combination that Murillo uses to great effect across different scales.

His brushwork varies from tightly controlled in geometric paintings to loose and expressive in pieces like "Interactuemos". This flexibility speaks to Murillo’s commitment to exploring how different techniques and scales can communicate contrasting energies. By moving seamlessly between smaller, energetic works and larger, subdued compositions, Murillo keeps his practice dynamic and multidimensional, a unique voice in Costa Rican contemporary abstract art.

Challenging Abstract Art

Murillo’s practice reflects a dedication to expanding the possibilities within abstract art, without abandoning the precision and thoughtfulness that have become his signature. His paintings challenge viewers to reconsider their assumptions about space, structure, and colour, often provoking a sense of engagement through their intricate balance of elements. By drawing on his architectural background, Murillo brings a unique perspective to contemporary abstraction, creating compositions that feel intellectually stimulating and visually engaging.

As he continues to exhibit his work in new contexts, Murillo remains committed to refining his approach, seeking new ways to express ideas through abstract forms. Whether through structured pieces like "Desfragmentación Cromática" or more energetic compositions like "Chromatic Shake", Murillo’s work invites a quiet contemplation of form and colour in a world that often feels overwhelmingly chaotic. In the carefully structured chaos of his paintings, there is a sense of harmony that speaks to Murillo’s nuanced understanding of the relationship between built environments and natural landscapes.

Jorge Murillo, Desfragmentación Cromática, Acrylic on canvas

MÍRAME Representation

MÍRAME Fine Art is thrilled to welcome Jorge Murillo into its roster, recognising his unique approach to Costa Rican contemporary abstract art as a perfect fit for the gallery’s mission. With his sophisticated handling of colour, form, and spatial composition, Murillo’s work brings a fresh perspective. We look forward to supporting his career and sharing his compelling vision with a broader international community.

Jorge Murillo | Costa Rican Contemporary Abstract Art