Artist Spotlight - Toti Cuesta — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Toti Cuesta is an award-winning Spanish artist whose journey from law and languages to art is one of self-discovery and liberation. Though intellectual pursuits defined her early career, she ultimately found her true calling in watercolor portraiture. Embracing art as more than a passion, Cuesta embarked on a path of introspection that allowed her to break free from the expectations others had set for her.

Her training as an Art Therapist underscores her belief in art’s transformative power, a central theme in her work. Toti’s pieces have garnered numerous international awards and have been exhibited globally, from New York to Venice, celebrating her distinct style that merges hyperrealism with symbolic surrealism.

Her work is centered around the female figure, which she uses as a metaphor for life, creativity, and resilience. Her portraits combine elements of nature and human emotion, portraying women as embodiments of Mother Earth, harmonizing the natural and urban landscapes within each piece.

Classical building, Gran Vía, Madrid, 2023

Cuesta captures a deep emotional resonance that speaks to humanity’s role in nurturing a just and compassionate world through her integration of vibrant colors, symbolic elements, and a balance of warm and cool tones. This thematic focus highlights her dedication to exploring identity, environmental consciousness, and the strength of the human spirit.

What sets Toti Cuesta apart is her ability to blend hyperrealism with a surrealist aesthetic, crafting portraits that invite viewers to journey inward. Her work is not just about depicting beauty; it catalyzes self-reflection and collective empathy.

Each portrait serves as a portal into the psyche, challenging traditional representations of femininity and inviting viewers to consider their place within the larger life ecosystem. Cuesta achieves a harmonious blend of emotional depth and visual splendor through her art, positioning her as a contemporary artist with a distinctive, thought-provoking vision.

Artist Statement

Art is my way of exploring the great questions that define us: Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I here to do? Every piece I paint reflects these inquiries and invites you to find your own answers.

The female figure is the soul of my work. I depict her as a symbol of life, creativity, and resilience, as well as a bridge between the human and the divine, between our fragility and strength. Through her, I seek to remind you that we are all part of Mother Earth, connected to her beauty, and responsible for her care.

My technique blends hyperrealism with dreamlike surrealism. I use watercolor for its unique ability to capture the transparency and light of our deepest emotions. In my paintings, symbols such as trees, eyes, and animals (leopards, zebras, birds) represent growth, vision, strength, and freedom. These elements are there for you to interpret through your own story, as each painting is an open dialogue with you.

For me, painting is an act of absolute surrender and profound love. When I paint, I disappear, and the artwork itself guides me because it knows what it is and the message it has come to convey. My hands and eyes follow its direction in a completely magical process.

My goal is to create beautiful images and open spaces for reflection, introspection, and connection. As you contemplate my art, I hope you find a mirror that inspires you to care for yourself, those around you, and the world we share. Art has the power to heal, transform, and remind us of our immense capacity to evolve and build a more conscious and loving future.

https://www.toticuesta.com

https://www.instagram.com/toti.cuesta/