Venus Nostalgia. From Venus Nostalgia series, 2023

Paloma Castello  

This artwork is a striking blend of classical and contemporary elements. It features a turquoise-hued statue of a traditional figure reminiscent of ancient Greek sculpture, elegantly draped with flowing robes. The bold juxtaposition arises from the figure holding an electric guitar, an unexpected twist that infuses modernity into the classical form. The sculpture's smooth finish and monochromatic color scheme amplify its visual impact, drawing attention to the intricate detailing of both the fabric and the guitar. This fusion of past and present challenges conventional perspectives, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries of art and tradition. The work is assertive in its presentation, confidently merging the elegance of antiquity with the rebellious spirit of rock music. This dynamic combination elevates the piece, making it a compelling statement on the evolving narrative of art.

The series "Venus Nostalgia" is a collection of sculptures inspired by the famous Venus de Milo, an emblematic work in the history of art that has had a great impact on Castello's work. The first time the artist saw Milo's Aphrodite she was fascinated by its beauty and mystery, which marked my first encounter with classical antiquity. In this series, Paloma Castello has created five representations of Venus, to which she has added elements from my daily life, such as the tropical environment, the stars and music. This creates a fusion between reality and fantasy. Castello´s goal is to incorporate surreal and romantic elements to evoke different emotions and moods in the viewer. The artist likes to give life to objects or images from the past, intervening them with her own ideas and fantasies in her artwork.

The artistic work of Paloma Castello, giving life or a different narrative to the past of an object. She is interested in playing with memory and relating it to the present, creating an atmosphere between reality and fiction. Castellos' family and social origins have a powerful influence on her work. She grew up surrounded by objects and anecdotes inherited from her ancestors that inspire endless surreal stories. Her work arises from these experiences; They are evidence of her “autofiction." Paloma Castello presents us with a work full of nostalgia. Her artistic work represents the soul of her proposal: inherited objects discovered or found that have become the tip of the iceberg of her past. They are elements that she collects, remembers and then classifies following a method that frames her anachronistic attitude that shows the youth of her art. It also shows that experimentation on herself is common for an artist just starting her career. Without a doubt, this resource, valid and true, becomes the path that determines the author's experimental character.

From Venus Nostalgia series 
Hand glazed ceramic
Unique