ARTISTS
Now at the age of 28, the Argentinean native once known by local police and the admiring public for his exquisite graffiti paintings on the streets of eerie doe eyed girls, is now gaining credibility amongst the finest collectors. Santiago Rubino’s portraits are derived from brief encounters with complete strangers, fleeting expressions that leave an everlasting impression, and characters that are dreamed of or simply created as an interpretation of a certain mood or thought. Rubino places a large emphasis on the eyes of the individuals he draws, believing that it is through the eyes of people that the most expression is conveyed, and in them will always be a deeper expression connecting the individuals to reality, consciousness, and existence. The majority of Rubino’s portraits are of expressive young girls; it is through their distant stares that Rubino evokes feelings of melancholy or loneliness, while still evoking poise and grace. Their distant eyes focus on a distinct point in which Rubino explains is “something intangible such as a memory or emotion that will forever remain uncertain to the observer.” Dreams are also an important part of reality and from them Santiago Rubino has received much of his inspiration. Santiago explains, “The subconscious mind can be an amazing tool in learning one's inner passions as well as one's place in the cosmos.” The characters found in his dream world reflect emotions of love and sadness, perhaps for the overwhelming beauty enveloped in the destruction found in the world. As much as the human mind is capable of creating wonderful works of beauty, Santiago believes it is equally capable of hatred and evil. Santiago often looks to history for inspiration as well. He explains, “In the past humanity lived in a world of uniqueness, where nothing was mass-produced and individuality was inevitable. The past can unlock the secrets of ultimate existence, the mysteries of our origins, and the foundations that make us human.” Santiago’s works convey a unique view of the fascinating dream world that has become very real to him. His works move others to look within and perhaps for a moment lose themselves in his forgotten reality that can be shared by all intimate beings. |
