We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alonsa Guevara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alonsa below.
Hi Alonsa, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
There is a special attachment that I have with my latest projects, so maybe I’m being biased with this question. Right now, I would say that the latest paintings I made for my solo show Relatos de Origen / Origin Stories have a special place in my heart because they’re all about exploring where we come from and how our experiences shape who we are.
This body of work is a mix of personal stories and universal themes, like family, love, growth, and resilience. I’ve always been fascinated by how these big life events can feel like a kind of rebirth, and I wanted to capture that feeling on canvas.
A special part of this project is how it allowed me to honor my personal origin stories, like recognizing my Chilean roots by incorporating native plants and natural elements from other places that have been important to me, like the USA, Ecuador, and the UAE. I also made a special painting called “Family Portrait Receiving the New Generation” that commemorates my own family after the birth of my son.
This exhibition means a lot to me because it’s a chance to share a piece of my journey and invite others to reflect on their own origin stories through these portals made of oil and canvas.
Everyone is invited to see this show:
RELATOS DE ORIGEN / ORIGIN STORIES
Aug 28 – Oct 5, 2024
Opening Reception: Thursday, Sept 5th, 6-8pm
Anna Zorina Gallery
532 W 24th St, NYC, 10011
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a visual artist, originally from Chile, specializing in painting, and I also create installations, sculptures, and sound pieces. When I was twelve years old, I made my first oil painting under my grandmother’s wing and it was love at first sight. I’ve been working in the arts for 16 years now and making oil paintings for 26 years.
My work celebrates the beauty and complexity of nature while exploring the deep connection between humans, nature, and spirituality. As a Latin American woman who has lived in three countries, my art reflects questions of identity, belonging, and womanhood, along with an appreciation of beauty.
I love creating work that everyone can experience for free. While collectors and institutions do purchase my pieces, they usually go to a public viewing first. I’m confident that those who bring my art home will find it brings moments of reflection and joy.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is bringing to life the mysterious, imaginative worlds I envision in my mind, transforming intangible ideas into something real that I can share with people around the world. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create work that deeply resonates with others, offering them a space to reflect and connect with their own experiences. Seeing my creations evoke emotions and responses is both powerful and humbling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Some people may struggle to understand that there is no such thing as a non-creative. We are all born as creative little humans and then grow, each with our own unique ideas. The key difference is that some of us have the enthusiasm and determination to make the necessary efforts, commitments, and sacrifices for our ideas to come to life.
Maybe some people don’t realize that making a living as an artist isn’t easy, especially without economic support. I’ve had to make a lot of difficult decisions and trade-offs. But the reward was always there, waiting for me—the ability to create my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alonsaguevara.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alonsaguevara/
Image Credits
Alonsa Guevara