Today we’d like to introduce you to Santiago Vanegas.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have navigated in and out of two cultures throughout my life. Born in Philadelphia and then moving back and forth between the United States and my native country of Colombia, eventually staying in Colombia for the next 14 years. Most recently, I moved from Colombia to San Francisco in 2001 to pursue my MFA in Photography. While in school, my photographic vision opened drastically. I also met my wife (also a photographer, now a fashion designer), and my two kids were born. In 2008 we moved to Atlanta where I continue to develop my fine art photography.
Please tell us about your art.
Inspired by my mother, a painter, Surrealist art, Latin American magic realism, music, and the world of cinema, I try to create work that looks at the dark and the light in life. I see the world in a way that even to me is a bit strange, but very real. The world is a strange, complicated, and fascinating place. I draw metaphors of how I see the world and its future. My images are about the relationship between reality and perception. I hope to inspire questions in my audience. Questions about their surroundings, how they perceive their world, visually, intellectually, personally…. any way. Just *question*.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Participate in the annual Atlanta Celebrates Photography. It’s a wonderful month-long event that attracts photo industry players from all over the country. Since it’s a month long, there’s plenty of opportunities scattered all around Atlanta to poke around and meet interesting people.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
In Atlanta, I am represented by GerArt Gallery, a vibrant Latin American art gallery owned by fellow Colombian Gerardo Reyes. You can also see my photography featured on the show DYNASTY on the CW network.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.santiagovanegas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/santiagovanegasphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SantiagoVanegasPhotography
- Other: www.saatchiart.com/santiagovanegas
Image Credit:
images 1-7, by Santiago Vanegas
Gallery shot of me talking, by Tracey Hogan
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