Sidney Poitier, from the Castelloland series, 2018

Paloma Castello  

This striking artwork commands attention through its bold juxtaposition of media and symbolism. At the forefront, a vivid red silicone object obscures a part of an underlying black-and-white portrait. The red object resembles a camera with a prominent circular lens motif and two button-like features. This element introduces a vivid splash of color, creating a stark contrast against the grayscale background. The monochrome portrait beneath shows a man in a suit and hat, evoking a sense of mid-20th-century style and formality. The obscured face suggests themes of identity, anonymity, and observation, inviting viewers to ponder the implications of surveillance and visibility. The composition prompts an engaging dialogue between the past and the modern, as the retro attire of the man merges with the contemporary hue and shape of the silicone overlay. This art piece masterfully challenges perceptions, urging viewers to explore the interplay between visibility and concealment, tradition and innovation. Its assertive use of color and form makes it a captivating exploration of identity in the modern world.

Paloma Castello born 1988 Bogotá, Colombia. She use her work to bring life or a different narrative to an object’s past. She is interested in playing with memory and relating it to the present, creating an atmosphere between reality and fiction. Her family and social background have a powerful influence on her work.  she  grew up surrounded with objects and anecdotes inherited from her ancestors that inspire endless surreal stories. Her work emerges from these experiences; they are evidence of her “auto-fiction”.