Laura Pretto Vargas

https://www.lauraprettovargas.com/

Laura Pretto Vargas's body of work stands as a testament to the profound depth and fluidity of human emotion. Drawing heavily from the Abstract Expressionist movement, her paintings capture an essence that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Each canvas is a symphony of gestures, where brushstrokes dance to the rhythm of her inner thoughts and feelings, creating a visual narrative that speaks directly to the viewer's soul.

Her art is a vivid exploration of texture and color, where the application of paint is as significant as the hues chosen. The canvases are alive with dynamic brush marks, each one a reflection of a moment of introspection. This textural quality is not just a visual delight but a tactile invitation to experience the emotions embedded within the layers of paint. The use of acrylics and oils allows her to play with viscosity and transparency, creating depths and highlights that give her works a three-dimensional feel.

Vargas's artistic process is spontaneous and intuitive, a direct translation of her emotional state into visual form. There is a rawness to her approach, an honesty that comes from painting without a predetermined plan. This method allows her to capture the fleeting nature of emotions, the way they evolve and transform. Each brushstroke is a moment of self-reflection, a step further into understanding and expressing her inner world. This spontaneity does not lead to chaos but to a structured yet fluid composition that invites the viewer to embark on a similar journey of self-discovery.

Her paintings are more than just visual experiences; they are emotional dialogues. Vargas's ability to convey vulnerability, joy, energy, and even sexuality through her abstract forms is remarkable. The subjects of her paintings are often distorted or completely abstracted, allowing her to focus on the emotion rather than the form. This abstraction challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the underlying feelings and ideas. It is this emotional resonance that makes her work stand out in the contemporary art scene.

Vargas draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including nature, history, and her own inner experiences. This eclectic mix of influences adds layers of meaning to her work. Nature, with its endless variety of forms and colors, provides a rich tapestry from which she draws her palette and compositions. Her love for history and different art styles is evident in the way she blends techniques and motifs from various periods, creating a timeless quality in her work.

The artist's connection to nature is palpable in her use of organic shapes and earthy tones. Her paintings often evoke landscapes and natural phenomena, yet they remain firmly in the realm of abstraction. This duality allows her to explore the tension between the known and the unknown, the seen and the felt. It is this exploration that gives her work its unique character and places her firmly within the tradition of Abstract Expressionism while also pushing its boundaries.

Vargas's work is a testament to the power of art as a means of communication. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to connect with their own emotions and experiences. Her art challenges, provokes, and instigates thought and feeling, creating a space for introspection and dialogue. This interactive quality is a hallmark of her work, making each piece not just a visual experience but an emotional and intellectual journey.

Laura Pretto Vargas's work represents a bridge between the past and the present. Her deep appreciation for art history and various styles allows her to create works that are both contemporary and timeless. She is part of a lineage of artists who use abstraction not just as a stylistic choice but as a profound means of expression. Her work resonates with the emotional intensity of artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, while also bringing in her unique perspective and experiences.

Vargas's contribution to contemporary art is significant. She offers a fresh take on Abstract Expressionism, infusing it with her personal narrative and emotional depth. Her work speaks to the timeless nature of human emotions and the ever-changing ways we find to express them. By challenging viewers to engage with her paintings on an emotional level, she creates a lasting impact that goes beyond the visual.

Her art is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression and the role of the artist in society. Through her work, Laura Pretto Vargas not only shares her own experiences and emotions but also creates a space for others to explore their own. Her paintings are an open invitation to experience the world through her eyes, to feel the intensity of her emotions, and to find a piece of oneself within her abstract forms.

Laura Pretto Vargas's work is a compelling addition to the contemporary art landscape. Her ability to convey complex emotions through abstract forms, her intuitive and spontaneous process, and her deep connection to nature and history all contribute to her unique artistic voice. Her paintings are not just visual compositions but emotional experiences, inviting viewers to connect with their own feelings and thoughts. As an artist, she continues to push the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Laura Pretto Vargas’s work is of profound importance to society. Her paintings provide a valuable space for emotional exploration, promote cultural appreciation, challenge conventional norms, and highlight the therapeutic power of art. By doing so, she enriches the cultural landscape and contributes to a more emotionally aware, culturally literate, and intellectually curious society. Her art is not just a reflection of her inner world but a beacon for collective introspection and growth, making her an indispensable figure in contemporary art and society.

By Marta Puig

Editor Contemporary Art Curator Magazine