Griselda Rivilla Tort

Your work focuses on capturing the “soul” through portraiture. How do you define this concept in your artistic practice?

I strive to capture the soul by focusing intensely on the facial expression, centering my practice on the emotion conveyed through the eyes. For me, the gaze is the window to the internal ‘beat’ of the subject.

Black and white play a central role in your work. What does this limitation allow you to reveal that color cannot?

There is a profound beauty in the simplicity of a pencil and a notebook. Stripping away color allows the essence of the form and the truth of the emotion to surface without distractions.

Griselda Rivilla Tort | The Rolling Stones Rock&Ink

Many of your portraits convey strong emotional intensity. How do you approach building this emotional connection with your subjects?

I am usually drawn to specific photographs that captivate me—either through a haunting gaze or a powerful composition. My process starts with that spark of connection; I don’t just draw a face, I translate the feeling that captured me in the first place.

Griselda Rivilla Tort | The Gaze of the Soul

In your opinion, what makes a portrait “truthful”? Is it likeness, emotion, or something beyond both?

Physical likeness is secondary to me. A ‘true’ portrait is one where the gaze isn’t flat—it has life. If the viewer feels a pulse behind the eyes, then the portrait is truthful, regardless of technical perfection.

Griselda Rivilla Tort | Joaquin Sabina

Presenting your work in Times Square creates a contrast between silence and visual noise. What kind of viewer reaction do you hope to evoke in this environment?

In a place defined by visual noise, frantic movement, and neon colors, I want to create a pocket of stillness. I hope to grab the viewer’s attention through the ‘silent power’ of my black and white works, offering a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos.

Griselda Rivilla Tort | Penélope Cruz Mediterranean Light

Some of your portraits depict well-known figures, while others feel more intimate and anonymous. How does your approach differ between these subjects?

I approach every subject with the same reverence, whether they are a public icon, a stranger, or a family member. My goal is universal: to capture the soul and the specific emotional state of that unique moment.

Griselda Rivilla Tort | Marie Curie The Light of Science

The gaze is a recurring and powerful element in your work. What role do the eyes play in communicating meaning and emotion?

I have always been fascinated by what eyes say when words are absent. The way they transmit energy and their natural brilliance is a constant source of inspiration. The gaze is the language I use to communicate without borders.