Guillermo Lorca: Echoes of the Unseen

In a world where reality and fantasy converge, Guillermo Lorca emerges as a painter whose brushstrokes defy the conventions of contemporary art. His style, infused with a baroque and dreamlike aura, transports the viewer to a realm where the beautiful and the disturbing converge in an ethereal dance.

From his days as a student at the Catholic University to his apprenticeship with the revered painter Odd Nerdrum in the icy lands of Norway, Lorca has woven a unique tapestry of influences that intertwine in every stroke of his works. Reminiscent of the Baroque masters like Rembrandt and Caravaggio, his art is an amalgamation of the sublime and the grotesque, where violence, sensuality, and innocence intertwine in a haunting embrace.

In an intimate interview with the artist, we delve into the depths of his imagination.

Q: How would you describe your creative process when developing a new artwork?

Lorca: My creative process consists of different stages. First, I gather small sparks that catch my attention, usually images that I archive, classify, and note down. Then, I observe these references looking for possible combinations until a possibility arises that becomes the impulse for the artwork. Sometimes this impulse appears as if by magic, other times it’s a gradual and hard-to-determine process. Next comes the production of models or elements necessary to start painting, where I use the best available technology. The last stage is the act of painting itself, which has an almost ritual component and shapes the unique object “deserved to be painted”. 

Q: Childhood plays a significant role in your work. Does your inner child take control when creating, or does it accompany you at every moment of your life?

Lorca: Childhood has a great influence on my life and work. Many of the experiences and discoveries I made in childhood still resonate in my work. The idea of feeling like a child I associate with play is linked to creativity. I need that creativity in my work and in my daily life to feel happier and more fulfilled.

Q: What are the main influences you have received throughout your artistic career and how do you incorporate them into your work?

Lorca: I have been influenced by a variety of artists and works, from Baroque masters like Caravaggio to Japanese animations like those of Miyazaki. I have also found inspiration in films, illustrations, and a wide range of artistic expressions. I try to incorporate these influences into my work in a way that they become part of my own artistic language.

Q: What led you to explore both the baroque style and the dream world in your art? 

Lorca: Since I was a child, I was attracted to the baroque style and dreamlike images. The saturation of images and emotions in these works captivated me from an early age. Additionally, I believe that figurative painters and illustrators often have obsessive personality traits, and the dream world can be fertile ground for exploring those obsessions.

Q: What do you think is the role of symbolism in your works and how do you hope the viewer interprets it?

Lorca: Symbolism is important in various layers of my works. Symbols can change depending on cultural and personal context, but I like to play with them and discover new interactions as I compose a piece. I don’t seek to give a closed message, but rather to suggest possibilities that the viewer can explore for themselves. 

Q: How do you perceive the relationship between your art and the viewer? What kind of reactions do you hope to evoke in those who observe your works?

Lorca: I hope that viewers can enjoy the beauty that I try to capture in my works. I strive to create characters and compositions that are visually appealing and that invite deeper reflection on universal themes. The specific reactions of each viewer are beyond my control, but if I manage to convey something of what I feel when composing the work, then I consider that I have succeeded.

Q: What significance do the upcoming exhibitions in Amsterdam and Oxford Street in London hold for you and your career? 

Lorca: I am excited about the upcoming exhibitions in Amsterdam and London. They are opportunities to reach new audiences and further expand my work internationally. Additionally, it is gratifying to see how my art is received in different cultural contexts.

Q: What are your goals or long-term projects as the renowned artist that you are? 

Lorca: I am working to enter the Asian market and collaborate with galleries and museums in that region. I am also interested in continuing to exhibit in museums and cultural centers worldwide, as they provide me with the opportunity to connect directly with the public and share my work in a more personal way.

Q: How do you believe your art contributes to cultural and social dialogue in contemporary society?

Lorca: I believe that my art challenges established norms and provokes deeper reflection on human nature and its place in the universe. I hope that my works can inspire meaningful debates and conversations about important issues in contemporary society.

Q: What advice would you give to young artists who are starting their journey in the world of contemporary art? 

Lorca: The most important thing is to focus on creating an authentic and meaningful body of work for themselves. The artist’s journey is full of experiments and mistakes, but it is important to enjoy that process and maintain discipline. Additionally, understanding the world of art collecting and business can be helpful for better opportunities and to avoid fewer frustrations along the way.

In summary, Guillermo Lorca transcends the title of painter to become a true wizard of the canvas, an alchemist of color and form who conjures entire worlds with every stroke of his brush. 

His works are not simple representations, but portals that transport us to dimensions where the tangible merges with the intangible, where the real blends with the fantastic. Each work of Lorca is a magical journey through the labyrinths of the imagination, where the viewer immerses a sea of sensations and emotions. With mastery, Lorca transforms matter into art, turns reality into dream, and invites us to explore landscapes that defy the limits of our perception.

His creations are more than mere images; they are visual narratives that tell deep stories and provoke reflections on human nature. Lorca reminds us that art is an infinite universe of possibilities, where each stroke is a new adventure, each color a new emotion.

In his work, Lorca teaches us that in the world of art there are no limits, only horizons to explore and boundaries to cross. His paintings are open doors to imagination, invitations to daydream and to get lost in the labyrinths of creativity. In each work, he reminds us that art is an endless journey, where the only rule is the freedom of expression and the only constant is the magic of creation.

“Guillermo Lorca has not just arrived; he has planted his creative flag firmly in the fertile soil of artistry, destined to leave an indelible mark in the annals of history alongside the revered legends of the art world.”