Hector Jaime

Year of birth: 1994.
Where do you live: Montreal, Canada.
Your education: Bachelor of Arts.
Describe your art in three words: astonishing shocking images.
Your discipline: painting.
Instagram

Hector Jaime | Selfportrait | 2021

Can you share more about your journey as an artist? How did studying at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and your exchange experience in Germany influence your artistic style and vision?

As an artist, my journey has involved gathering knowledge over the years as I’ve developed my skills and artistic perspective. In this sense, my studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso were crucial. I learnt about the specific techniques in paintings and drawings, the concepts of the old masters and the modern and contemporary art through the history, that gave me a set of influence artists that resonate with my artistic view such as Francis Bacon, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, William Turner, Paul Cézanne.

And the exchange experience in Germany evoked in me a complete change in my art as I could see in real life the artworks of the famous artists named.

Your statement mentions that you aim to impact viewers through your work. What emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke in those who view your portraits?

My primary artistic goal is to elicit a visceral reaction of astonishment, allowing for a spectrum of emotional responses based on individual interpretation. This reaction, while ineffable, can be discerned through the expressive qualities of the artwork.

Hector Jaime | Portrait | 2019-2020

How does your experience working as a mosaic artist at “Mosaika” influence your approach to oil painting and color application?

My experience as a mosaic artist at “Mosaika” has significantly contributed to my comprehension of color and the precision demanded in artwork, specifically to contrast elements and balancing precision with artistic expression.

Moreover, this exploration aims to discover innovative approaches to the construction of artwork, focusing on the importance of detail, encompassing both specific elements and an overall perspective.

Color and contrast seem essential in your work. How do you decide on the color palette for each piece, and what role does color play in expressing identity in your portraits?

The use of color in my works is fundamental, serving as a means to convey distinct light characteristics and to establish the compositional framework. The categorization of this specific type of light stems from observations made in my daily routine. This light, primarily originating from urban environments, is further explored in my inquiries within diverse fields, such as portraiture and landscapes.

Hector Jaime | Portrait | 2019-2020

Portraits are a primary subject in your work. What draws you to portraiture, and how do you approach capturing identity and expression in your subjects?

Two fundamental aspects characterize my personal approach to portrait.

First of all, the symbolic nature of each portrait embodies the essence of my country and its influential figures, conveying their historical significance through the utilization of colors and brushstrokes.

Secondly, the paramount aspect is expression. To achieve a heightened impact on the viewer, I utilize expressive brushstrokes, contrast, and saturation within each part of the painting, while deliberately abstaining from using white tones in the faces.

Your work is described as creating “shocking images.” Can you explain what this means to you and how you achieve this effect through your technique?

The pursuit of “shocking images” within my artwork hinges on the interplay between meticulous detail and bold expression. This dynamic tension between opposing forces is a fundamental element in each of my paintings.

The tension is accentuated through detailed rendering in focal areas of the painting, juxtaposed with the remainder of the composition, where swift brushstrokes and vibrant colors create a sense of dynamism.  

Hector Jaime | Portrait | 2019-2020

As an artist currently working and exhibiting in Montreal, how has the artistic community here influenced your work and career?

The most significant aspect of being an artist in Montreal and participating in exhibitions is the opportunity to receive feedback from viewers, witness their reactions, and validate the ideas explored in my artwork.

The ultimate aim of my artistic work is to evoke a response from viewers. Embracing both positive and negative feedback as a means of validating the impact of my artworks, ensuring that they cannot be disregarded.