Laura Pretto Vargas — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 5

May 5 Laura Pretto Vargas

Biography

Italo-Brazilian artist based in Miami. My paintings are gestural and aesthetically similar to artworks from the Abstract Expressionist movement, as a lover of art history, my work gains inspiration from it and in a variety of styles. My canvases are filled with highly textural brush marks and color. My artistic language seeks to express feelings of vulnerability, happiness, energy, sexuality, and so on. My art express shared human emotions and are made to connect with my own and other’s emotional life experiences, providing a space for connection and reflection. Award winner “Artist of the Future” - Contemporary Art Curator Magazine IAVA member since 2020 Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera - 2016 Istituto Marangoni Milano - 2015 Has participated in solo and collective exhibitions internationally, next solo exhibition in June of 2021 in NYC. Participated in tree collective books in Brazil and from Contemporary Art Curator’s Magazine “Trends in Art: Insights for Collectors”

Artist Statement

Art for me is a way to communicate through the materials, techniques and forms I use, my ideas and what I feel to my viewer, as well as challenge, provoke and instigate in the viewer ideas and feelings of their own. I think art is a movement of self-expression that changes as you grow and learn, on your terms. Art is forever! A piece of art is a forever statement your soul makes, that desires to share with the rest of the world. I’m interested in the basic human emotions that impact people. In my artworks I hope to communicate my emotions, vulnerability, sometimes pain, happiness, movement, sadness, energy flow, hope, etc. I like to think that when someone looks at one of my paintings they will recognize their own struggles and feelings in it. I think painting has power to play with our emotions and make us lose ourselves in it. My work aims to open your mind and make the viewer feel differently.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

The fact that art is a constant entity, where forms of self-expression adapt and change as you grow and learn, but on your terms. Art is forever! A work of art is a permanent statement your soul makes, one that you desire to share with the rest of the world. Ultimately, that is why I choose to make art…not because it is trendy but because it is a reflection of who you are, what you feel and how you see the world.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I like to think of myself as a constant researcher of beauty in things, I’m always curious and try to see things to my own light.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I’m interested in the basic human emotions that impact people. In my artworks, I hope to communicate my emotions, vulnerability, sometimes pain, happiness, movement, sadness, energy flow, hope, etc. Art for me is a way to communicate through the materials, techniques and forms I use, my ideas and what I feel to my viewer, as well as challenge, provoke and instigate in the viewer ideas and feelings of their own. I like to think that when someone looks at one of my paintings they will recognize their own struggles and feelings in it. I think paint has power to play with our emotions and make us lose ourselves in it. My work aims to open your mind and make the viewer feel differently.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

First thing I start with some form of music, instrumental or acoustic, to loosen myself, the process of creating a painting sometimes happens just on my mind, other times I like to do a drawing to loosen up, then I like to pic colours, at least the main ones and it all goes from there. I like to think the process of painting as a slow dance or encounter I have between the brush or whatever I’m using that moment, the canvas, and myself. That field is sacred, as long as the connection is happening is as I’m in a complete trance.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

The fun of always feeling like a child at the beginning of each new project, my creative process is an auto-discovery and healing moment and a play all at the same time.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Looking forward to the release of Contemporary Art Curator’s book, my solo exhibition coming up next June in NYC at Artifact Gallery, also have other solo exhibition to do before the end of the year at Saphira & Ventura Gallery.

Website www.lauraprettovargas.com

Instagram @lauraprettovargas

Facebook @LPrettoVargas