R I C C A R D A R A A B E

 

Artist Statement

 

I am interested in what lies beneath. Be it the images we have of

ourselves, the narratives we believe in or the memories we hold close.

The longer you look at something, the less clear it seems to become.

I work in many layers of paint. Layers of different perspectives, time,

desires, emotions and struggles. Painting allows me to communicate

immediately and intuitively. Throughout my process, my aim is to stay

open to what might happen and authentic in my response, slowly and

organically carving out each painting’s rhythm and rhyme.

I take risks, I try things out and I change my mind.

 

In the end, a painting full of history and turned corners emerges. One that

holds many stories, even though often only traces of them remain visible.

But every layer, every moment of uncertainty and confusion is part of the

journey and necessary for the painting to be complete.

 

I often ask myself: Why can’t I be both?

Why can’t I be playful and serious?

 

Naive and clever?

Troubled and deeply happy?

Child-like and mature?

Nostalgic and progressive?

 

Angry at the world and hopeful about the future?

 

Shy and confident?

Scared and brave?

An artist and a mother?

Who says so?

 

My paintings ask the same questions.