Felipe Riesco (1991) celebrates his first year as part of the Antenna partner community. With a career that was rapidly consolidating nationally and internationally, he opened the doors of his workshop to us, which he shares with design, photography and decoration studios. There we were able to learn more details about his work and the personal reflections that accompany it.
Felipe is represented by Galería La Sala in Santiago, Chile. He was born in Santiago and from his childhood he was interested in painting. Between 2011 and 2015, he completed his first formal studies at The Russian Academy Of Art In Florence and The Florence Academy Of Arts, both in Italy. There he deepened his knowledge of two of his references: the French painter, Charles Bargue and the American painter John Singer Sargent, who influenced his work, especially in formal aspects such as tracing and lighting. Today, his greatest reference in art is the British artist Damien Hirst.
“Hyperrealism entertains me, it's very challenging and I like being able to push it to the limits.” — Felipe Riesco.
During our visit, we were able to see Felipe working on two new pieces for his series Vicios, whose first opening to the public was in October 2023. The exhibition consisted of paintings that portray crumpled aluminum Coca Cola cans, realistically capturing the material that makes up each of these. When asked about his interest in reproducing this popularly known image, he tells us that by painting these crushed cans, which when deformed become sharp objects, he seeks to criticize consumer society. Through his works, he has been able to inspire his family and close friends to reflect on this reality.
“Even though I allow myself to continue painting the same series, I'm still researching new things”
In other exhibitions, we highlight his individual Chromatics exhibition, at the Cultural Center of Las Condes in 2021, where he explored the human figure, fabric and color through painting. His participation in national fairs, 2015 at Feria Ch.aco, 2018 at Faxxi and international fairs such as Pinta Miami (2021) and Art Miami (2023). He recently collaborated with the fast food chain, Burger King, to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary with a series of four paintings inspired by the brand: The First Kiss, The Bite, The Choice and El Antojo, which were exhibited at a private event, which for the artist was another opportunity to democratize art to new audiences.
At the end of this year, Felipe Riesco's work will be exhibited at Art Context Miami, with the Art Labbé Gallery.
We invite you to learn more about Felipe's work on his social networks: https://www.instagram.com/felipe_riesco/
Felipe, we appreciate your contribution to our foundation!
