Adrian Barquero

b. 2004 Bogota, Colombia

Influenced by my Colombian heritage and background, I use my personal experience to explore themes of memory, ephemerality, and the human condition, often depicting the nature and dynamics of tension. Like many Colombian artists, my work is shaped by the pervasive concept of violence, a theme deeply woven into Colombia's history. However, I depict violence not through common representations but as moments of silence, change, and introspection. Due to my personal history of facing drastic changes in living situations from a young age, my work heavily centers on change, transience, and impermanence. Having lived in contrasting environments such as the Philippines, Colombia, and the United States, these experiences significantly inform my art making. Introduced to the fragility of life through my mother's practice as a surgeon, my work places a strong emphasis on anatomy and the human figure. This awareness of our fragility ties into my fascination with mortality, life, and death as opposing forces. Rather than exploring death as a morbid or grim concept, I use it as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation. In my art, I strive to infuse intention and meaning into every element, emphasizing technical prowess. Through this endeavor I invite viewers to engage deeply and bring their own interpretations into my work. My mission as an artist extends beyond aesthetic expression; I aim to challenge, provoke, and question, using art as a tool for societal introspection and a study of reality. Through my pieces, I aspire to evoke profound emotions, offering a vision towards a brighter, more compassionate future by using my practice as a moral imperative.