Social Paintings

Winter 2002/ Spring 2003

The winter of 2002 was long and depressing. I was deeply affected by the distance between my friends and my family in Argentina and the freezing, gray city of Chicago. It had been almost two years since I had visited home and this distance – physical and emotional – provided the material I needed for this series. I began experimenting with oil paints and found that the time that I spent painting loved one was almost as gratifying as actually being with them. As I painted my family and friends back home, I was settling into my life in Chicago and began painting my new friends. At this point in time, I did use art as a therapeutic outlet and had yet to begin working conceptually. This series is a set of 8 oil paintings on canvas.

Self Portrait. 45"x35"

Martin and Nahuel. 35"x45"

Kit Kat Club. 30"x30"

Jimena and Ariel. 35"x35"

NOTE: During fall 2002 I became friends with two artists that I deeply admire. Victoria Loeb and Chris Z. They are a huge influence in my work. Victoria introduced me to oil painting and the human figure. Chris has been a great friend, an amazing art teacher and my biggest supporter. He made me understand that I first have to do things right and only could I break down structure and do whatever I want. He introduced me to classical techniques and artists I have never before heard of. This series was my first attempt to create classical-looking paintings. Chris’ teachings stuck and influenced my next project, DARK QUEENS.

All of the works are Oil on Canvas and were made between 2002 and 2003.

This are the works I have decided to keep because of the personal learning behind every piece. I cosider the entire series a study about oil painting.