Interview With Artist Douglas Rivera
Congratulations to Douglas Rivera for earning his place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award July 2024 Edition!
Who are you?
I am a young Bolivian artist who has found in the connection between nature and humans: an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Since I was little, I was fascinated by observing the natural environment, the animals and all the diversity of species. I also remember reading many fables and children's stories that represented the interaction of man with animals and nature. My passion for art was born from my desire to capture that magic in my works. I studied in different artistic institutions from the age of 13 and graduated from the Design and Arts Degree at the UMSA Bolivia University, and along the way, universal literature and cinema have been my great allies, expanding my vision and enriching my style. oriented towards magical realism and surrealism.
I held more than a dozen individual exhibitions and many group exhibitions in different spaces, museums and art galleries.
“Apollo's Dream”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?
Painting allowed me to explore and express the beauty of colors, shapes and textures. Growing up in Bolivia, I observed how local landscapes and cultures told deep stories through their colors and textures. Painting became my language to translate those stories and emotions into images. Furthermore, the ability to capture ephemeral moments and create worlds full of symbolism was a great motivation for choosing this medium.
“Ethereal Venus”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
How would you describe your ARTwork?
My work is framed within magical realism, where the everyday mixes with the fantastic in a visual dance. I like to describe it as an exploration of the connections between reality and fantasy. My pieces often feature scenes and characters that seem straight out of a dream, with a focus on details.
Lately I have been exploring painting on unusual surfaces such as gobelins, prints and tapestries that allow me to play with the depth of the work.
“Flora”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?
The work that won the award was inspired by the book Alice in Wonderland. One of my favorite literary works from the surreal world of Lewis Carroll. I was fascinated by the idea of capturing transformation and duality, so I decided to depict the white rabbit becoming a decorated vessel, to symbolize movement and metamorphosis. The vessel, with its delicate details and figures, contrasts with the figure of the rabbit, creating a fusion between the organic and the inanimate. This work seeks to invite the viewer to reflect on the changing nature of identity and the perception of time.
“Allegory Of Time”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?
Of course, First, I started with preliminary sketches to establish the composition between the elements of the work. Then, I move on to the painting phase, where I use layers of oil paint to build texture and depth. I focus on minute details, like light and shadow. Finally, I apply final details and textures, such as the rabbit's fur, the patterns on the vessels, and their shine.
“My Blue Unicorn”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
I believe that art is universal and that artists are spokespersons for the world. My artistic work is focused on creating metaphorical, surreal and symbolic images that have allowed me to talk about different realities that are as true as they are imaginary.
The main theme of my artistic production is the interaction of human beings with nature, as a means to know themselves. I paint images that invite deeply emotional contemplation.
“The World”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
My greatest learning experience during the process of creating my work has been discovering the immense power that images have to influence culture and people's sensibilities. As an artist, I have witnessed how art can become a bridge between different cultures and eras, carrying messages that transcend time and space.
This understanding has taught me that art can be an agent of change and dialogue, connecting our individual experiences to the broader narrative of history and society.
“The Words”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
My greatest success has been receiving the Gran Premio Salón Pedro Domingo Murillo in 2014, the most important art award in my country, when I was 22 years old, which was an important milestone since it was generally won by artists over 40 years old. It was a recognition that came after years of effort and experimentation. I consider it a success because it not only validated my artistic vision, but also opened doors for me to exhibit my work in different parts of my country and the world. Later I held the individual exhibition “Onírico Bestiario” at the National Museum of Art of Bolivia. In 2020 and 2021 I obtained two international art awards, one in Spain and the other in the United States.
“The Temperance”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever heard/received?
The best advice I have received came from the famous Spanish photographer Isabel Muñoz, who I had the opportunity to talk to once she arrived in Bolivia. She told me: “The only way to get better at art is to work and work.” These words have resonated deeply with me, as they reminded me that talent is only part of the equation.
True progress in art comes from constant dedication and daily effort. Through this advice, I have learned that there are no shortcuts to mastering the art. Every day in the studio, every work I complete, is another step towards my development as an artist.
“The Death”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to apply for awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
Yes, art requires time, patience and, above all, perseverance. In the art world, perseverance is key. There are times when the path seems difficult and the rewards distant. However, keeping going, even in the toughest times, is what makes the difference. I have learned that every work I create, every exhibition I participate in, brings me closer to my goal of growing and evolving as an artist. Passion for art and constant dedication are the tools that allow me to overcome challenges and continue sharing my vision with the world.
“Saudade”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
Currently, I am working on a series of paintings that explore the textures present in different elements of Nature. And also working on a series dedicated to the culture of my country, the year 2025 will celebrate the bicentennial of Bolivia's independence. I plan to exhibit these works, so I will be happy to share more details and views of the works when they are ready.
“Sahira”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
What is your dream project or piece that you hope to accomplish?
My dream project is to create an artistic career that not only transcends the borders of Bolivia, but also becomes a point of reference in the history of universal art. I aspire to develop masterpieces that capture the essence of our culture and identity, but at the same time resonate with a global audience. I want my works to tell stories that are not limited to a single nation, but rather speak of universal themes that connect people regardless of their origin.
More than a personal achievement, my dream is to open paths for other Bolivian artists, inspiring them to explore their creativity and share their talents with the world. I want my work to demonstrate that Bolivian art has a place on the international scene, and that it can contribute significantly to the global cultural dialogue.
“Persefone”
Oil
By Douglas Rivera
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?
My advice would be to never stop learning, exploring and experimenting. Art is a continuous process of discovery, and the constant evolution of style and technique is what keeps creativity alive. Don't be afraid to take risks and face your fears; Often the greatest advances occur outside our comfort zone. And above all, maintain passion and perseverance for what you do, because that is what really matters in the end and what will connect with the audience.
To view more of Douglas Rivera