Artist in conversation: Uman
“ My characters, known as Umans, embody the psychedelic and spiritual based on my travels and personal experiences ”
Uman was born in Bogotá and raised in Quito, Ecuador. He earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design in NYC and is currently pursuing an MA in Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art in London.
Uman's artwork envisions alternate futures, exploring existential questions about identity and purpose through engaging with auto-fiction. Influenced by Ecuadorian artists Eduardo Kingman and Oswaldo Guayasamín, he blends Indigenism with Psychedelia, creating a unique style that reflects his cultural roots and pushes artistic boundaries.
His characters, known as Umans, embody the psychedelic and spiritual based on his travels and personal experiences. They seek to articulate life’s multi-perspective nature and narrate one story through various lenses. Recognizing that no culture is fully understood from a one-sided interpretation and no story is an absolute truth, Uman approaches narratives with a dynamic perspective.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
"Artist" is a stimulating label that connects my creation with your sensitivity, what I produce with what you feel. It is the link between you and me. Amongst this mutual interaction between creation and reception is where the label "artist" resides. Nowhere else because without any of the parts, there would be no such thing as art, let alone… an artist.
Be that as it may, I have never considered myself one. For me, it is just who I am. My constant state of thinking, creating and being… in no particular order. I make art for myself, my expression, and to cope with life as it comes. It is from this ego-timid but confident stance that I do what I do.
My unique style and the creation of the World of Umans emerged during my time at Parsons School of Design in NYC. Through vivid dreams where I could explore a world I had created in my mind, I found the inspiration to bring that world to life through drawing. Thus, the World of Umans was born—a manifestation of my imagination and a testament to the power of creativity as a coping mechanism and a source of personal expression.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
My artwork envisions alternate futures, exploring existential questions about identity and purpose through engaging with auto-fiction. Influenced by Ecuadorian artists Eduardo Kingman and Oswaldo Guayasamin, I blend Indigenism with Psychedelia, creating a unique style that reflects my cultural roots and pushes artistic boundaries.
My characters, known as Umans, embody the psychedelic and spiritual based on my travels and personal experiences. They seek to articulate life’s multi-perspective nature and narrate one story through various lenses. Recognizing that no culture is fully understood from a one-sided interpretation and no story is an absolute truth, I approach narratives with a dynamic perspective.
Characterized by high contrast and vibrant colors, my pieces convey tranquility, serenity, bliss, and free-spiritedness, visually expressing my identity and emotions.
My work embodies a belief in Web3 technology, advocating for greater privacy, autonomy, and control in the digital realm. I envision a fairer, more transparent world through decentralized systems.
As you pursue your MA in Contemporary Art, how has your academic exploration influenced your conceptual framework and the way you approach the creation of art?
My pursuit of a Master's degree in Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art in London has been transformative in expanding my artistic horizons and refining my approach to art creation. Immersed in an environment rich with diverse mediums and practices, I've been exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, opinions, and ways of thinking that have broadened my conceptual framework. The exposure to different perspectives has encouraged me to critically examine my artistic practice and consider alternative approaches to my work.
The academic exploration has allowed me to strengthen my artistic roots by deepening my understanding of art history, theory, and contemporary discourse. By contextualizing my practice within broader artistic movements and dialogues, I've gained valuable insights that have informed and enriched my artistic vision.
Do you have any specific themes, techniques, or projects you are excited to explore in your future work?
I'm particularly excited to delve deeper into the exploration of fabric as a medium. Currently, I'm experimenting with creating my own pigments and color palettes specifically tailored for painting on fabric.
I'm also working on a tapestry project where I'll be dyeing my own yarn to craft the artwork. This process of hand-dyeing yarn not only gives me greater control over the color composition but also adds a personal touch to each piece, enhancing its uniqueness and individuality.
Color plays a very important role in my practice, and mastering the art of creating my own dyes has proven to be a significant breakthrough. It helps me add depth, richness, and subtlety to my art.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I'm fortunate to have been part for the last 3 years of a vibrant online community of artists and collectors who share similar interests, particularly in exploring advancements related to Web3 technology. This community provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, insights, and discoveries, keeping me informed about emerging trends and innovations in the digital art space.
These past six months I have been surrounded by a diverse group of contemporary artists whose interests and perspectives differ from my own. Engaging with these artists has been incredibly enriching, as I've had the opportunity to learn from their experiences and expand my understanding of various artistic practices and concepts.
By actively participating in these communities, I can stay informed, inspired, and engaged, contributing to my growth as an artist.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I approach feedback with an open mind, taking it lightly and never taking it personally. While I may feel confident in certain aspects of my work, I recognize the value of outside perspectives in helping me refine and improve my art.
My intuitive nature plays a significant role in how I balance feedback with my own artistic intuition. I have a strong sense of what feels right for each piece, whether it's adding, changing, or leaving it as it is. This intuition is guided by my deeply personal connection to my work, which revolves around my own experiences and perspectives on life. As a result, I can discern whether feedback aligns with my artistic vision and resonates with my understanding of the piece.
I view feedback as a valuable tool for growth and self-reflection. While I may not always implement every suggestion, I remain receptive to constructive criticism and alternative viewpoints, recognizing that they can offer valuable insights and perspectives that enrich my artistic practice.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Staying motivated and inspired despite setbacks or creative blocks is a journey that requires self-awareness and honesty with oneself. When faced with a creative block, I acknowledge it rather than trying to force through it, understanding that it's a natural part of the creative process and that it's temporary. I remind myself that experiencing creative blocks doesn't define my worth as an artist; it's simply a phase that will pass.
To revive my creativity, I turn to experiences that ignite my passion and curiosity. Traveling, in particular, serves as a source of inspiration and renewal for me. Exploring new places, immersing myself in different cultures, and connecting with nature all have a profound effect on reigniting the spark of creativity within me. Traveling allows me to break free from routine, open my mind to new perspectives, and tap into the sense of wonder and excitement that fuels my creative spirit.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am genuinely thrilled and deeply honored about exhibiting my artwork at The Holy Art Gallery. While my work has primarily been showcased in digital formats, such as Times Square, Miami Art Basel, and Athens, this opportunity marks a significant milestone as it will be my first time presenting my paintings in a traditional gallery setting.
Coming to London was a deliberate choice to immerse myself in the art world of this city, and being able to exhibit at The Holy Art Gallery feels like a significant step forward in my artistic journey. I am excited to connect with fellow artists, collectors, and other art lovers.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal as an artist is to create a sense of connection and belonging through my art. I aspire for people to not only experience but also to feel a part of the world I've created, understanding that it's a shared space that belongs to everyone. Witnessing how my art has enabled people to empathize with its narratives has been truly inspiring, and I want to expand this impact to reach more individuals.
I believe that at the core of our existence, we all seek peace and happiness. If my work can evoke these emotions or provide solace to even one person, I consider it a success. To achieve this, I am committed to continuous creation, personal growth, and living authentically. I aim to connect with more people and foster meaningful relationships that enrich both my artistic journey and the experiences of those who engage with my art. While I understand that this process takes time, I am dedicated to taking action and doing everything within my power to continue growing as an artist and sharing my vision with the world.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
In my creative process, emotion plays a fundamental role as my work is deeply autobiographical. I draw from within, externalizing my innermost thoughts and feelings with purity and honesty. By authentically expressing myself without a predetermined intention, I've witnessed a humble yet profound reaction from viewers.
Despite my work originating from my personal experiences and perspectives on life, I intentionally leave it open to interpretation. By allowing viewers to connect with my work on a personal level, I've witnessed how it resonates with them in unique and meaningful ways.