Acrylics, Spray Paint and Markers on Recycled Canvas
30x40"
Created in my former studio in Toronto, Canada. Located in the Parkdale Village neighborhood.
As we carry on with this pandemic, and after losing my beautiful Grandma' and Auntie to Covid I was forced to find my inner truths and go all in. Abuelita used to say "Hágale Mijo, Métase" when encountering opportunities, which translates to "Go For It! Go All In". That is how she lived and she accomplished close to everything she set her mind to, including raising me in Medellín.
This painting depicts a time of introspection and truth.
CIFUENTES' artistic practice is rooted in the visual expression of freedom. He looks to his own experiences as a Colombian immigrant in North America, often marked by instability and restriction. In response, CIFUENTES’ work seeks to break free from convention in order to express emotional havoc. Starting out as a street artist, CIFUENTES keeps with the tradition through his use of spray paint and marker, juxtaposed with acrylic and oil paint. The resulting canvases oscillate between the abstract and the figural, stylistically defying categorization. Freedom of expression in both style and concept is the thread that binds the works in CIFUENTES’ oeuvre.
Born in Medellin, Colombia, CIFUENTES moved to the United States as a teenager. He completed a diploma from Bergen College in New Jersey where he studied Fine Arts. In 2009, CIFUENTES moved back to Medellin where he founded the award-winning clothing brand beFREE. In 2016 CIFUENTES moved to Toronto where he continues to live and work.
CIFUENTES’ work has been featured in fairs and exhibitions internationally, including Red Dot Miami, Florida; Gallery 1313, Toronto; ARTA Gallery, Toronto; Distrito Creativo el Perpetuo Socorro, Medellin; and Monroe Center for the Arts, Hoboken. He is recipient of the Panasonic Creative Excellence Award and a 2019 Refugee and Newcomer Mentorship Grant from Toronto Arts Council.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Let my work be known for manifesting varied visual representations of freedom, these unexpected paintings are a mixture of thick knife strokes with free-hand illustrations on canvas and recycled surfaces. I collect and portray moods that are in vivid, visceral paint strokes, loose lines, deliberate drips and passionate splatters. All this to the novel end of creating an unconventional marriage of fine and urban art.
Drawing from my experience as an immigrant in the U.S.A, and now Canada, my work expresses the authenticity of artistic freedom and the emotional havoc that surrounds it. To be an immigrant is to struggle in life with instability, but this also means embracing the realities of said struggle to grow bold, fearless and free.
Are you interested in buying original art through helloart? Our Buyer FAQ will help answer some common questions about the process.
How do I buy art from businesses?
See a piece of helloart artwork you know would look perfect in your space? We’ve made it easy for viewers to instantly purchase a piece of artwork right from the walls of the business. You can simply purchase any helloart artwork by scanning the QR code on the smart art label using your phone. Once scanned, you’ll be directed to that specific piece of artwork, and can click ‘add to cart’ to begin your checkout. Once you’ve notified an employee at the business, you’re ready to take your art home. Take a look at this video, highlighting the buying experience at a business location.
What is the shipping cost?
Canada and the US: free.
Rest of the world: contact us for shipping rate (support@helloart.com).
What’s the return policy?
All sales are final.
How can I be sure that the art is original?
helloart works directly with the artists who create these original pieces. The artwork is shipped directly from the artist's studio to you.
Does helloart offer curatorial services?
Yes. Please email support@helloart.com for more information.
