Interview with María José Sánchez
Exploring the Layers of Time
Time, that intangible force shaping our perceptions and realities, finds its essence in the vibrant artworks of María José Sánchez. Her creations peel back the layers of human experience, revealing the intricate tapestry woven by moments lived and emotions felt. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the depths of her artistic journey, uncovering the inspirations, philosophies, and transformative power behind her work.
From the conceptualization of time to the nuances of expression, María José opens up about her process, influences, and the profound impact of art on personal and societal growth.
María José Sánchez, from the series 'Paisajes Sonoros'
Unveiling Time Through Art: Exploring the Perception of Reality
Your work explores the concept of time and how it shapes our perceptions of reality. Can you elaborate on how you translate this abstract idea into tangible art forms, such as painting and drawing?
My work delves into the concept of time and its influence on our perceptions of reality. I use layers as symbols of time and experiences lived, and I paint on transparent surfaces like veils and glass to conceptualize how we perceive life and reality through these layers of experiences.
In my paintings, I might employ different brushstrokes or techniques depending on the concept of the "experience" that I want to symbolize. Some strokes might be abstract, soft, and blended, creating a sense of fluidity and constant change, while others are more figurative to make a direct point. In either case, the importance lies within the veil itself, as it invites us to see our context through our own perceptions.
Manifesting Life's Intangibles: Art as a Reflection of Experiences
With your art you aim to make visible the intangible aspects of life that time accumulates silently. Could you share some specific themes or experiences that have been particularly influential in your art, and how you've represented them in your work?
When I began pondering time, I realized that it wasn't time itself that molded us, but the experiences we lived that transformed us, and this reflection is mirrored in my art.
In my statement, when I say that 'my art aims to make visible the intangible aspects of life that time accumulates silently,' I'm referring to those experiences that we may not always be aware of. Our upbringing, our social context, our relationships, our bodies, and our thoughts, among others, accumulate upon us, shaping a completely personal and irrevocably different reality.
Portait of the Artist María José Sánchez
Characterization and Visual Art: Expressing Complexity Through Creativity
Your background includes studying characterization at MUFE Academy in NYC. How has this experience influenced your approach to visual art, especially in terms of expressing complex themes and emotions through your creations?
While my time at MUFE Academy in NYC studying characterization may seem unrelated to visual art, it has significantly impacted my approach to conveying complex themes and emotions in my creations. The training in characterization deepened my understanding of how subtle changes in expressions can communicate profound emotions. Additionally, after having worked with hundreds of people, I've come to understand that we all possess different realities. This unique perspective allows me to craft visual narratives that resonate on a deep emotional level, inviting viewers to connect with the intangible aspects of life that shape our reality.
Artistic Multifaceted Perspective: Balancing Roles in the Art World
You've been actively involved in the art community as an artist, educator, and cultural manager. How has your multifaceted role in the art world shaped your artistic perspective, and how do you balance these different facets of your career?
Engaging in various roles within the art community—as an artist, educator, and cultural manager—has deeply enriched my artistic perspective. I believe that artists have to be multidisciplinary in order to succeed and contribute to the success of the art community. As an artist, my interactions with students and colleagues inspire fresh ideas and perspectives. Simultaneously, being an educator allows me to refine my own understanding while fostering creative growth in others. As a cultural manager, I gain insights into the broader art landscape. Balancing these roles necessitates effective time management and prioritization. Each facet informs the others, creating a dynamic synergy that continually fuels my creativity and commitment to the arts.
María José Sánchez, From the series 'Entiendo en tiempo, Dos mundos'
Art as a Tool for Development: Connecting Personal Expression and Social Impact
Could you tell us more about your work in using art for personal and social development, such as projects with the JEP and foundations like La Voz and Sui Tutuava? How do these experiences connect with your broader artistic mission?
For me, besides its aesthetics, art is a tool for personal growth. Creating art allows me to find clarity and respond to internal questions, which in turn brings me tranquility and a way to express emotions when I cannot do so otherwise. I have replicated my art practices in other spaces, such as when I worked with single mothers in extremely vulnerable situations, where they often struggle to communicate with their kids. By assigning emotional symbols to certain colors, we managed to promote new forms of expression between mothers and children in specific situations. I conducted the same exercise with individuals who were victims of the Colombian armed conflict, and the results are astonishing in seeing how painting can help comprehend sensations or experiences that are difficult to put into words.
María José Sánchez, ‘Linaje’
Diverse Spaces, Diverse Responses: Art's Journey Across Cultures
Your art has been exhibited in various places, including Bogotá, Manizales, Florida, NYC, and soon Tokyo. Can you share some insights into how different audiences in these diverse locations have responded to your work and how these experiences have impacted your artistic journey?
Exhibiting my art in diverse locations has provided insightful glimpses into how varied audiences perceive my work. In Bogotá and Manizales, my art resonated deeply with local audiences due to its contextual themes. In Florida and NYC, the response was captivating, driven by the medium and concept. Tokyo's recent show offered a valuable opportunity to gauge cross-cultural reactions, revealing that the medium has an extraordinarily great response, because it is delicately enriching. These experiences have expanded my artistic journey, broadening my perspective on the universal emotions my art evokes and how cultural subtleties influence interpretations. It's a continual learning process that fuels my desire to create art transcending boundaries and connecting with people worldwide.
María José Sánchez, from the series “ A Través de la Memoria” Installation