La Cometa

Colombian artist Carlos Castro-Arias, based in San Diego, unveils a captivating new series of paintings that explore the appropriation and transformation of images. Recently exhibited at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in San Diego, this project delves into the power of images to create spatial, narrative, and emotional connections. Drawing inspiration from a rich archive of photographs, social media screenshots, art history, and personal experiences, Castro constructs intricate compositions that blend visual elements into unique mental maps and collages. Each piece serves as a testimony to
the process of collecting, reinterpreting, and re-contextualizing images, fostering a dialogue between the raw and the refined, the personal and the universal.

In this series, Castro employs wood as his canvas, emphasizing the materiality and multi-dimensional nature of his paintings. The wooden structures also function as supports for the works, creating an immersive installation environment. Departing from his previous projects, which often featured collaborative and outsourced
sculptural elements, this series reflects a deeply personal and artisanal approach. Every painting is crafted entirely by the artist, underscoring the significance of manual craftsmanship as a form of intimate reflection. Painting has been a cornerstone of Castro’s career; he has taught the discipline for nearly two decades and currently serves as an associate painting professor at San Diego State University.

The result is a body of work that transcends traditional visual collage, inviting viewers to explore the spatial and symbolic relationships between images. Each painting acts as a mental sketch brought to life, encouraging audiences to interpret the imagery and forge their own meanings and connections. Through this series, Carlos Castro-Arias reaffirms his ability to transform appropriation and compilation into profound artistic expression, solidifying his place as a distinctive voice in contemporary art.