Félix Ángel, artist and architect from Medellín, Colombia, has presented more than 100 exhibitions in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador and The United States and took part in many international competitions. Public collections of his can be found in Miami, Texas, San Francisco, England or Washington. With tradeyourtalent Ángel speaks about being an artist in South America and why it is important not to give up on art.
Félix Ángel, Drawing, from the Horse and Rider Series, a series
that Ángel begun in 1977 and still continues today), http://www.felixangel.com/
What can you say about being an artist in South America?
It is very difficult. One has to be pretty intense. Most people carry out life in a very elemental, almost survival mode. Society in general is not interested in the arts, except from an entertaining point of view. One has to be aware that being an artist, implies a lot of sacrifice and misunderstanding. I am talking about being a real artist.
What are your paintings about? What are your major themes?
My career spans 40 years and my work has evolved visually and technically in a number of ways. However, there has been a constant concern about man, the existential role in life in its many social, political or psychological dimensions. The horrible damage that can inflict to others, the contradictions and triumphs in the context of civilization.
When did you know, you wanted to become an artist?
I think I have been an artist all my life, and I knew since I was four years old that I wanted to become an architect and an artist. I became both. I had my first exhibition in my high school at age 14. I have never experienced an indecision about my destiny.
What were your hardest projects up until now?
The hardest thing has been to stay in course, and not allow anything or anyone to derail the convictions I have about art.
If you could give advice to artists just starting out, what would it be?
To educate oneself about many things that, from a practical viewpoint can give you an edge in life, so when your art does not sell you will not be taken by anguish and desperation which, leads to many concessions in detriment of the principles that rule one' s work and the ethics of life.
Félix Ángel, Dramatic Metaphor, 48 x 60 aproximately, acrylic on canvas, 1991http://www.felixangel.com
Félix Ángel, Mural, Comedal Building, Medellín, Colombia, South America, 1976
Félix Ángel, Late Sunday Morning
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