Pepe Hidalgo is a Canadian artist with Spanish origins born in 1953 who lives and works in Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
As a connoisseur of history, I look at the different movements, changes, and conflicts that have shaped our modern world. Through this perspective, I create magical realistic paintings using my brush to animate landscapes that manifest questions about how we got here. Looking at the past to create modern works attesting to the journey. The journey of being. The journey of beauty. Importantly, I look to ask questions through my work. What is beauty? Where did it come from? What social norms are in place that need challenging for us to see the truth? All viewership is to have experiences when viewing art. My art is no exception. It looks to create a layered approach where one disassociates from reality and enters the world in which I create. In turn, this oftentimes will make you feel a little lonelier about your place in the world. A discomfort that pushes for change. By picking themes that are relevant to me, I look to bridge the river between artist and viewer. This includes picking memorable moments from my life. The great thing about becoming older is not only the library of experience and knowledge I have attained but also the importance that I can share all the other ages I have been.
When it comes to composition, it is important to me to pull on my creativity but also respect those whose shoulders I stand on. The blood that runs through my veins comes with vast histories and cultural influences that are impossible to ignore. The unique colour, line, value, shape and form that I use are all echoed from these influences. However, I look to challenge the past in order to create more modernistic work. Pieces that can stand alone and not only bring about questions but can also provide aesthetic pleasure. I am not looking to create a movement but rather challenge the movements that are already laid down for me and my work to exist. This can be seen in the different series which I have created. There are elements that tie one piece to the next. Additionally, I have looked to utilize different perspectives of the world with which I am less familiar. Looking at collaborating with Eastern artists to balance my Western mindset helps to create incredibly thoughtful work that appeals to a wide audience.
To conclude, my work is meant to culminate in a visual ecstasy for the viewer. It is meant to be representational of my own thoughts, interests, perspectives and memories while looking for connections between past and present. I am conscientious and intentional of the elements of design I implement. Creativity requires copious amounts of courage. Bearing my personal self for the world to see on a canvas can be intimidating but I want to be vulnerable in order to continue to live a fulfilling life. Art speaks where words can no longer explain. This is my purpose. This is my endeavor. This is what I am. This is what I am meant to do.
Pepe Hildalgo, 2023
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