Sebastian Giraldo

Year of birth: 1989
Where do you live: Brussels, Belgium
Your education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence
Describe your art in three words: emotion, dreams, life

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How has your upbringing in Colombia influenced your artistic style and storytelling approach?

Colombia is a land where the indigenous, European, and African cultures intertwine in a rich tapestry of traditions and stories. Growing up in this vibrant environment, I was surrounded by an abundance of color, music, and folklore. These elements seeped into my consciousness and have become the heartbeat of my art. Colombia is a place where expression is woven into the fabric of daily life, and this ethos of storytelling through art profoundly shapes my creative voice.

What role does your current life in Brussels play in shaping your art and creative process?

Brussels, with its multicultural vibrancy, has become a fertile ground for inspiration. It is a city where the streets hum with diverse languages, and every corner reveals a new perspective. This diversity has infused my work with contrasting narratives and broadened my creative horizon. Here, I find myself drawn to the juxtaposition of old and new—the grand Gothic facades against modern art installations—which mirrors my own exploration of blending traditional and digital techniques. The city’s artistic energy, from its galleries to its graffiti, pushes me to experiment and evolve continuously.

Sebastian Giraldo, Corazon, 2024

Your work bridges traditional and digital techniques—how do you decide which medium to use for a specific piece?

My process often begins with traditional techniques, as they allow me to physically connect with my ideas. Watercolors, pencils, and ink are my tools for capturing the raw essence of a piece—its soul. There is something almost meditative about the tactile nature of traditional mediums. Once the initial vision is formed, I transition to digital techniques, where the possibilities seem infinite. Here, I experiment with color palettes, refine compositions, and explore harmonies that elevate the piece to its final state. The choice of medium is intuitive, guided by the story the artwork wants to tell.

Surrealism is a central theme in your work. What draws you to this style, and what messages are you trying to convey through it?

Surrealism speaks to the language of my inner world—a realm where the ordinary dissolves and the impossible takes shape. It is the domain of dreams and imagination, where logic gives way to raw emotion. Through surrealism, I can express feelings and thoughts that words cannot capture. My work often explores themes of longing, transformation, and the interplay of light and shadow within the human experience. It is a reflection of the unspoken, a visual diary of the subconscious. In this space, I invite viewers to journey into their own imaginations and connect with the untamed parts of their spirit.

Sebastian Giraldo, Juegos, 2024

Your pieces evoke strong emotions. How do you balance chaos and beauty in your compositions?

The dance between chaos and beauty is one of the most delicate and rewarding aspects of my creative process. Chaos brings movement, unpredictability, and rawness, while beauty introduces harmony, structure, and resonance. To strike this balance, I often use color harmony and motif repetition as anchors amidst the turbulence. Recently, I have been drawn to symmetry—a tool that paradoxically organizes and amplifies the chaos. It’s like a conversation between wildness and order, where both elements exist in dynamic equilibrium. This interplay creates a visual tension that draws the viewer deeper into the narrative.

Can you share a specific piece that holds a deep personal meaning for you and explain its story?

One of my most cherished works is titled El Burro (The Donkey). This piece depicts a little donkey surrounded by music, festivity, and the exuberance of life. It is a love letter to my homeland, embodying the spirit of Colombian culture—its warmth, resilience, and unyielding joy. The donkey, a humble and steadfast creature, symbolizes the perseverance and vitality of the people. The vibrant colors and rhythmic composition echo the festivals and traditions that shaped my identity.

How do cultural intersections influence your choice of colors, textures, and themes?

My art thrives at the crossroads of cultures. When drawing inspiration from Colombia, I lean into warm, vivid colors that pulse with life—reds, yellows, and earthy tones that evoke sunlit landscapes and festive atmospheres. Conversely, when I delve into themes like solitude or introspection, my European influences emerge. Here, muted tones, intricate textures, and contemplative compositions take center stage. These cultural intersections are like conversations in my art, each one bringing its own voice, yet harmonizing in a way that feels uniquely mine. They remind me that identity is fluid and enriched by the diversity of experience.

Sebastian Giraldo, Burro, 2024