Unresolved Figures

Painter Elo Menéndez on Color, Form and Aesthetics

Embarking on a journey through the vibrant world of contemporary art, we delve into the captivating creations of Elo Menéndez, whose distinctive style seamlessly blends elements of pop culture with abstract expressionism. From his early fascination with art to his evolution as an acclaimed artist, Menéndez shares insights into his creative process, inspirations, and aspirations.

Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist? What drew you to the world of painting, specifically to the combination of pop and abstract art? 

From a very young age, I felt a great attraction to art in general. From my time in primary school, I only remember the subject of plastic arts. Later, I studied and graduated from a school with an orientation in Fine Arts. I have very fond memories of those years, and they were clearly milestones in my career. In the end, I studied Architecture. For over 15 years, I designed commercial spaces for brands like Levis, Lacoste, Bimba y Lola, etc., but in the past few years, I realized that I only feel passionate and free in front of a canvas.

Who are some artists or movements that have influenced your work? How do you draw inspiration from popular culture, and how does it manifest in your art?

I am an admirer of movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Neoexpressionism, and Modern Art. Within them, artists like Mark Rothko, Cy Twombly, Franz Kline, Basquiat, etc., are the ones who have influenced my work the most. But I cannot fail to mention other periods, such as the Baroque, Romanticism, and their great exponents like Rembrandt, Goya, and Velázquez. When I was 12 or 13 years old, I had the opportunity to visit an exhibition by the great Argentine painter, Carlos Alonso. Seeing his work and being lucky enough to exchange a few words with him definitely changed my life. He also left an indelible mark on the local art scene.

Can you walk us through your typical creative process from idea to finished artwork? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

Usually an image appears in my mind due to something I saw or read during the last few days—it’s quite immediate. From there, I start working on it. In some cases, I work on the sketch digitally until I have a solid idea, and then I move to the canvas. During this transition, things or accidents often happen that lead me to modify the initial idea. Doubts arise, and a certain uncertainty appears, which I gradually correct until the work starts taking shape. I don’t consider the work finished until I feel that it conveys something. It must have life and soul.

What mediums and techniques do you prefer to work with, and how do they contribute to the overall aesthetic of your paintings? How do you approach the use of color, texture, and form in your pieces?

In general, I seek a balance between the figurative and abstract aspects of form. I appreciate a certain disorder, but without neglecting the figure. Another pattern that repeats in my works is the mixture of materials. I usually work with synthetics, pastels, and primarily oil paint. Regarding color, I work with a restricted palette, aiming for a balance between warm and cool tones.

Are there recurring themes or concepts in your work that you find yourself returning to?

In series such as “Invisible” or “Croma,” a common factor may be the presence of human figures generally female—that do not reveal their faces. I embrace the notion of leaving aspects unresolved. I encourage the viewer to complete the narrative of the artwork by not fully disclosing everything. Additionally, I pay close attention to the body language of the figures.

How has your style evolved, and are there new directions you want to explore? What do you hope viewers take away from your art?

I acknowledge that my work evolves from year to year. At times, I interrupt the ongoing series with a piece that might seem unrelated. It is a process to provide myself with distance in order to ultimately return to the series but with renewed vigor. While it may sound self-assured, I perceive a certain maturation in my recent works. Looking ahead, I aspire to embark on a series of abstract pieces, departing from representational figures. I aim to evoke a sense of tranquility tinged with a hint of mystery to foster engagement with my artworks.—