SOFIA ALEMPARTE IB Visual Arts 2016 Lincoln School Costa Rica

The Artist Statement / Rationale

by Sofia Alemparte

     

      My work throughout these two years has been very consistent and straightforward. They all relate to the same style of abstract and sensitivity to cubism. Bright colors, abstract faces, and masks are the ones that stand out the most in my artworks. The theme of lack of identity is portrayed through the masks and multiple faces since they symbolize the different personalities each person can have and how they express and try to show a different perspective to society hiding their true selves.

       My childhood has influenced my work greatly. Going back and exploring my past experiences has shaped the way I express myself through art. Living in 3 different countries, I´ve had the opportunity to encounter and discover different cultures, meeting new people and studying their beliefs. My starting point began in Chile, Easter Island, part of Chilean territory,  is reflected in my artworks, the masks sculptures. The island includes more than 900 statues called moais made my early Rapa Nui inhabitants during the 10th and 16th centuries. These statues are made out of rock, which this made me explore the paper pulp technique. Paper pulp was my most extensive research, which resulted in a good method to make a 3D piece. This approach gave me a visual sense that is made out of rock to the mask. I also had the chance to live in Peru for a while where I explored the Incas, the indigenous people from the country. This was really interesting because the Shaman Inca used a stick called Kambo. I incorporated the use of this tradition and culture exploration to the usage of leaf sheaths, which connects with my 3D piece because it had the shape of a mask. The technique I used the most was acrylics on top of this material. The way this connects with Peruvian culture is how this leaf sheath is attached to a wooden stick giving the sense of the Shaman stick used years ago by the Incas. Talking about the selection of bright colors in my pieces is reflected on moving out from South America to Central America, Costa Rica. The weather in the country is exceptional. While beautiful flowers are in blooming all around you, is very easy to stay in a very good mood. Not only is the environment great but also the people are relaxed and outgoing.

       The way I´ve arranged one of my pieces has to do a lot with the context. The multiple masks done with sheath leaf and wooden sticks are placed in a type of garden with rocks in the bottom in order to help the wood stand straight. It gives the viewer a sense that they are part of the environment connecting it to the previous theme mentioned. One of my most successful pieces is the big mask made with paper pulp, this one is placed in the center of all of my artworks, the purpose is that if the viewer is standing at a distance they are able to center their eyes in this piece. There was one artist that influenced me the most, Pablo Picasso. I consider my style be very similar to his since he uses cubism and I show this in various artworks along with the straight lines and trace his paintings with dark color to emphasize the features.

      Going back to the theme of lack of identity, the fact of moving from one country to another is starting all over again. You always try to begin with the right foot, so you try to keep your reputation clean. Here is were I question myself who I truly am. Are we trying to fit in hiding who we actually are or are we just trying to portray something that we are not? My intention for the audience to feel is the reflection on how appearances in society are one of the most important things, first sight. But, what really matters is who you truly are, that we are all wearing a mask and we are hiding in it. Society is struggling on finding their identity; in consequence, the only time we get out of that shell is when we are by ourselves.

Egocentric by Sofia Alemparte

 Mixed Media 

(modeling paste, acrylics and watercolors on canvas)

This piece is considered one of the most abstract pieces in my series since it doesn’t follow an exact pattern and the colors are not as separated as the previous artworks. The use of modeling paste is just in part of the face (eyes, nose, and mouth) in order to create a texture and make the features stand out from the background. Also, outlining these parts is part of my style, which also gives a sense of a focus point. Watercolors were used to connect the background and incorporate the acrylics.

ID by Sopia Alemparte

Acrylics on canvas.  54cm x 44cm 

Continuing with the style and theme, the palette is inspired by the Russian artist Wassily Kandisnky. With the theme of the difficulty of finding our own selves, the vibrant brushwork provides the audience to have a sense of hope rather than hopelessness. His artworks also involve dark outlines, which is also presented in this piece.

LeafMeAlone by Sofia Alemparte

Medium: Acrylics on leaf sheath  1.30cm x 2.30cm 

Remaining with the motif of identity along my works, I decided to use context within this piece. Not only the way it is placed into the plants but also the material used, the leaf sheaths of palm trees. The fact that abstract faces are painted on this material is a method to connect the environment with the theme.

Sofia by Sofia Alemparte

Acrylics on paper pulp 1.00 cm x55 cm x12 cm

First in the masks series, it is inspired by the symbolism that conveys. It is the essential characteristic of hiding behind it and being afraid of revealing true personalities. Talking about culture, masks have been used throughout the world; this specific piece is inspired by the Easter Island “moais”. Decided to use the paper pulp as a material to give a sense that is made out of rock. The bright colors are inspired by the Costa Rican culture.

Twisted by Sofia Alemparte

 Acrylics on canvas. 60 cms x50 cms

Most of my artworks are inspired by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. This piece is the one that is most influenced for his style that includes cubism. The use of geometric shapes along the background and the use of black to enhance the features are characteristics of this artist´s style. The geometric eye made out with tiny little squares is to give a focal point in the piece.

Winner by Sofia Alemparte

Mixed Media (acrylics on marbling)  36 x 28 cms and 41 x 30 cms

The research on marbling was successful since it was media testing and ended up interesting. I kept up with the style of dark outlining and the abstract face. The idea of using two separate canvasses is two give the receptor a sense of separation between reality and the painting. The purpose is to enhance the theme of lack of identity as a positive aspect with the colorful background.

Odd one Out by Sofia Alemparte

 Acrylics on canvas 101 x 76 cms

 Bright colors and abstract faces are part of these series. The purpose of this piece is to incorporate the theme of lack of identity and how society rejects us when we “take out the mask” and express our true selves. In this case society representing the various colorful faces and the monochromatic grey tones of the single face above signifying the rejected one. I used the grey color in the background to give a tense mood in the overall artwork.

Exibition set up. Abril 2016