Santos Morales

Artist Statement
Every painting that I have made since 2014 has a soul, purpose, and most importantly
an identity. Documenting my troubles, ideas, explorations, and emotions.
Painting is something I took on as a challenge two years ago. Before I became a painter,
I was more into drawing figures. The thought of becoming a painter first penetrated my mind
after watching The Radiant Child; a documentary based on Jean-Michel Basquiats life and
artwork. He was able to create purpose in his life through the process of making art.
I always wanted to paint or draw ideas that have not met visually on a canvas. I want to
be the interpreter or the bridge that merges ideas that are not just visually aesthetic, but also
informative. Much like the art created by artists from the Renaissance era, it was significant
because it documented or expressed the many aspects of living and the notions people had in
that time. It gives us a reference point to measure the vast spectrum of human imagination
through time..
The artwork I make includes a lot of personal parts from my life. However, with some
ingenuity I am able to push a message that is not too submerged at first glance.
Surrealism is my preferred style. I enjoy working with the texture of objects that create a
narrative thats peppered by fiction. Surrealism, to me, is like a daydream, fantasy, or a vision
that does not necessarily exist in the presence of the reality that weve come to experience with
everyone. It rests in the realm of havoc, chaos, divinity, nirvana, etc. A place where nothing can
be tamed.
My culture plays a big role; but my ascending knowledge in health, science,
identity/history, and spirituality helps me evaluate my paintings during the process.