Rafael Muci — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 5

May 5 Rafael Muci

Biography

I am of Venezuelan origin, living in the US, with a background in Architecture and design, having graduated from Venezuela's Central University. Trying to find my way in life, I stumbled upon many things, until I found a delta in Architecture… Art gave me an approach to design, and through design I do art.
In regards to my visual work, I chose to use various media to convey a message, create a poetic narrative. Photography, drawing, painting are all merged to produce very energetic abstractions, that combine the organic, the figurative and the urban. They are intensely colored, sometimes oversaturated to add drama and passion to the image, and to relate it to my statement.

Artist Statement

A poetic visual narrative that evolves from Non-Men-clature feeder that evolves from human alter egos, after extensive exposure to mediocre minds and thoughtless interactions with similar in kind... In reflections of religion, faith, existence and psique... a biographical journey of sorts.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

I can understand this is something you might want to become, but this is not my case. Since I was a child this notion of being an artist loomed over me, I didn't know what tendency would interest me, or the type of artist I would become, I just knew, deep inside my gut, that it would be my life, and this is a sense, a feeling, that has been with me throughout the years.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I am a Visual Artist. My work is a two dimensional narrative, weaved through images, an assemblage of sorts. The use of photography, archetypal symbolism, color saturation, to create intimate atmospheres.

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

My work is a very intimate narrative, where the oniric is ever present, the archetypes are a constant and where religion, gender, sexuality and identity are examined and and questioned. I don't intend to communicate directly to the spectator, for direct messages disappear as fast as they are put out. My intention is that my work becomes food for thought, for inner growth, for sensations, and for delayed reactions.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

It is so difficult to explain one's train of thought and creation. In my case there is no definite road, but rather a multitude of trails, and its chance that guides me. An insight, an intuitive approach to philosophical quotes on life, on spirituality, on humanity, on literature, and on society. I can honestly say that I am my work, for through it, I find myself, and in finding myself a visual concept is formed.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

This is a difficult question, I've never stopped to think about it, and don't think there's a specific part of the process that I can pinpoint as favorite. Perhaps it is because inspiration is constantly present in my conscious and subconscious, it is not something I will into being, it just IS. Everyone is creative, the difference is that some are more "in tune" with it than others. There is a solitude, a gratifying nothingness that gets filled up with your ideas... you feel color, imagine textures, motives... and everything starts connecting, everything falls in place, and yet, even when you think you're finished, there will always be something that feels undone, the creative process is ever flowing, ever branching out, it is never depleted.

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

I have an artistic friendship with Andarte, in Barcelona, Spain, and with them we're putting together several exhibits, of which "Equipaje No Declarado - Undeclared Baggage" ends tomorrow. I dealt with the meaning of immigration, and how we describe it as artists. This exhibit is followed by "Antes, Durante, Despues - Before, During, After" - a collective show that groups over 100 international artists, describing their life during pandemic times, what it was before, what is through its course, and what will be when it is overcomed. We hope doors open, and Before, During, After can be enjoyed in different parts of the world. There are many more ideas in the drafting table, including a solo show, however, the dates have not been defined yet.

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