Adrian Barquero

b. 2004 Bogota, Colombia

Influenced by my Colombian heritage and background, I use my personal experience to explore my relation to memory and ephemerality. After having spent my first five years being raised by my grandparents in the Philippines I moved to Bogotá, Colombia, to live with my mother who had recently finished her education. Once in Colombia I was enveloped in a culture rich with beauty and tradition permeating every aspect of life. Yet, I quickly came to understand that the history of my country was one of contrasts—a vibrant, diverse culture stained by violence—beauty and brutality existing in tandem. Having lived and switched between these distinct environments—change, transience, and impermanence are central themes in my work. Transformation being the only constant. This transience has always drawn me to create, focusing on graphite as my primary medium.