She’s the 24 year old Instagram hit, meet the artist of the moment, Maria Bueno.
Hailing from Madrid she first went into graphic design and then migrated into the world of illustration. Illustration that plays with a range of themes that are hot on the agenda from feminism to empowerment. One thing’s a constant though, and that is her use of color (and super vibrant color at that).
Bueno’s content, messaging and color use has struck a chord with the masses it would seem as she’s gained over 145k followers on her Instagram page. We talk to the artist to find out more about her art in the digital age.
Felicity Carter: What is your first memory of art?
Maria Bueno: My first memory of art is when I was little and they asked me in class what I wanted to be and always answered that I wanted to be a painter.
FC: Tell us about your background and how you made your way in the art world …
MB: I started studying graphic design, then I trained in self-taught illustration and thanks to Instagram my first works and collaborations came out, I am currently training in fashion.
FC: What past or present artists have had an impact on you?
MB: Artists of any field inspire me, Madonna with her aesthetics of the ’80s, Almodovar and her vision of cinema, Picasso and his colors.
FC: How would you summarize your aesthetic?
MB: Pop, modern, minimalist, full of feelings, full of color!
FC: How long does it take to produce a piece?
MB: The simplest piece of work can take an hour, the more complex pieces can be two or three hours.
FC: What topics do you explore and why?
MB: I like to investigate a range of subjects, that surround the issues of feminism, fashion, art and feelings.
FC: What is female empowerment for you?
MB: It is the liberation of women, a change of thought, fair equality between men and women.
FC: What impact are you looking to have on the viewer?
MB: Reflections, a quick vision of something apparently simple but that hides something complex.
FC: Would you ever work in another medium?
MB: Yes! I make illustrated paper books! Also, I’m preparing textile projects, I want to look into working with more media.
FC: How did your style evolve? And how do you see it evolving?
MB: My style has evolved quickly. I have always liked the baroque or realistic style, but it does not identify with me, I find that every day I become more and more minimalist, there are less lines and more color.
Shop Maria’s artwork, clothing and accessories on pezonesrevueltos.com.
