Interview: Raúl Vega
Luca Curci talks with Raúl Vega during CONSCIOUSNESS, second appointment of the ANIMA MUNDI 2022 art fair, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

I expect a certain amount of randomness in my process. I never quite know how a picture will turn out because each image has a life of its own. My work combines elements of Architecture, cultural iconography, color, textures and the mundane that I see that often goes unnoticed. Always dealing with randomness and chaos. I’ve worked and lived in NYC and LA. Settled now in Los Angeles

Luca Curci – How did you get to photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Raúl Vega – As an Architectural student I used the camera as a tool. Photography quickly became something I felt was my calling even though I had no idea at the time what it meant to be a professional photographer. I was fortunate to have traveled while in school in Italy. I traveled to Europe and North Africa. My work at that time was more in the style of National Geographic because that was what I saw. Over the years, I developed my style of work because of the new technological advances in digital software.

LC – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
RV -I’m inspired by the situation. I often take photos unexpectedly wherever I am because of what I find. I photograph many disparate things that I file and use when I find a proper usage. I don’t take photos of any one specific thing.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
RV – The challenging aspect of what I do is the serendipitous nature of my process. I may have a preconceived idea of how or what the photo will look like but it usually turns out to be something else. I love playing with disparate images to create something familiar yet unique. I don’t mind that I make mistakes because it makes me deal with the development. I get surprised in a good way.

LC – How is your creative process?
RV – My process is dictated by images that I think will be a great mix for the palette I’m creating. I mix disparate elements to create something unique and unexpected. I like to think I paint with photographs I love mixing architecture, words, graphics, street art, graffiti, reflections, color, texture and some human elements. I rarely use a total image. I use mostly parts of photos.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
RV – I work with what I find and play with those elements in layers. I work to create a unique snapshot that reflects our common thoughts and dreams. Life is random and chaotic. I like to think that I reflect a certain aspect of our culture that is familiar, recognizable and sometimes stupefying.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
RV – What I exhibited is something new and fresh. I am very happy with what ItsLiquid chose. It reflects their openness and critical eye to something new.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
RV – I think the theme, Consciousness, is a great fit because it reflects my work process. Consciousness is the state of being awake and aware of one’s surroundings. It’s an awareness of the mind and the world around us.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID Group?
RV – I’m grateful to ITSLIQUID Group for giving me the opportunity to show something unique to photography in such a beautiful venue. I’m happy and honored they have the courage to show the work I’m doing. I’m hoping for a great relationship and it feels good to be acknowledged.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
RV – ITSLIQUID has dealt with me in a very organized and professional manner. Everything from my perspective has gone well. My interaction with ITSLIQUID Group has been cordial and helpful. I wish ITSLIQUID Group the best of luck and continued success.