Interview: Isabel Castelló Ocampos
Luca Curci talks with Isabel Castelló Ocampos during the 11th Edition of CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2022, at Palazzo Bembo.

“I don’t paint things keeping their real appearance. I paint that fascination, that emotion that I feel when I visualize in my mind the metamorphosis of these things. A conversion process that leads me to think about anthropomorphic forms fused with others related to nature, and to rescue the human being from within us. Consequently, a new and unique image arises, produced by the transformation of the formal and chromatic differences of these elements, altering not only their structures, but also their identity and meaning. In this way, these new aesthetic entities are characterized by a more existentialist sense and a strong personality, channeling messages and ideas that flow on the canvas, between shades of orange, sienna, magenta, emerald green or shades of ultramarine blue. As a result, each of my works becomes a shared space, where changing and regenerating energies converge at the same time, revealing a different vision of the reality of our world. That’s why I would like the viewer to feel transported to a more essential role in our environment, to help him develop a more personal and constructive view of life.”

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Isabel Castelló Ocampos – I was born in Argentina and I have been living in Spain with my family for more than 20 years. This was a significant change in many ways. Also, I remember that my Spanish grandfather told me many times about the olive groves and the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, I believe that both experiences can be reflected in some way in my painting. The changes, the morphological alterations embodied in my works, began precisely with the fusion between olive trees and anthropomorphic forms.

LC – What are you currently working on?
ICO – I have always admired the aesthetics of the human body, beyond the old canons of beauty. Thus, I am currently focused on mastering its formal structure to provide a different reading and discourse through the transformation of the entire human figure or some of its parts. On the other hand, I will begin a monographic course dictated by professional experts from the Prado Museum related to the artistic techniques used in the workshops of 17th-century painters. Surely, this more detailed and specific knowledge will also influence my painting.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
ICO – I am very curious and I love to investigate to learn and get more information. An image on any device, a phrase heard, nature, a reading, a song, a dance, a shape that transforms in my mind, everything is inspiring.

LC – How is your creative process?
ICO – I always seek to change what I observe. I don’t just paint what I see. I start with an idea by drawing it on the canvas. I analyze the composition. I work on its volume and colour. When I think I am reaching the end, change and transformation take place, sometimes capricious, others very conscious and studied.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
ICO – Currently, a recurring theme in my paintings is the human body and its finitude. That is the idea of vulnerability associated with our inherent mortality and the all too conscious thought that there is an inevitable end. I believe that this approach, which is perfectly logical, could be accepted and assumed to begin a kind of liberation of our minds, in which there is no room for submission and dependence on our innate condition.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
ICO – The theme of identity is closely related to those works in which I question our role in this world, are we the ones who have the ability to change it? Are we aware of that responsibility? I believe that identity should be accompanied by the acceptance of our finitude. In this way, we can liberate and lead our lives.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
ICO – I have presented two works in your exhibition: The first is titled “I can’t stop my thoughts”. I was inspired by those moments that I think we have all experienced at some point, when decisions are difficult to make when the ideas and thoughts that arise are numerous, but they are not convincing, and confusion expands in our minds at an uncontrolled speed, forming a spiral that surrounds the consciousness of who we are. In the other work called “Releasing minds”, I want to convey a certain feeling of fragility (represented by the texture of the figures) that I would like to be accepted as a kind of liberation, leaving behind our mortal condition. Vulnerability can also be a starting point for revelation in a world in which the daily order has been disrupted and the need to once again feel the leadership of our lives has become a fundamental and essential requirement.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
ICO – Of course. ITSLIQUID is a great opportunity and experience for artists who want visibility for their works, exhibiting them professionally and with a planned organization that supports them.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
ICO – That it is a great platform for the dissemination of art and culture, very necessary for the promotion of the artists and the events that it develops.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
ICO – I would recommend other artists to participate in the exhibitions you organize, without any doubt. The services are efficient and the team is very friendly. Thank you very much ITSLIQUID!