José De la Barra
DREAM-LIKE NARRATIVES OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE
Lima, Peru
José De la Barra
José De la Barra is a Peruvian contemporary artist whose work blends reality and fantasy, creating a surreal, dreamlike world that explores emotion, self, and identity. With a creative process driven by freedom and imagination, his paintings are rich in intentionality, subtly erotic, and infused with themes of simplicity, leisure, and timeless storytelling. The human form is central to his practice, offering a space to explore the complexities of the human experience. Recurring motifs of intimacy and nostalgia, paired with masterful use of color and technique, give his work emotional depth. Each piece invites viewers into a realm where serenity and tension coexist, capturing the emotional complexities of life.
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BIOGRAPHY
José De la Barra
Born on August 6, 1956, in Peru, José De la Barra is a renowned contemporary artist known for creating a dreamlike world through his exploration of both internal and external fantasies. With a refined mastery of painting and drawing, De la Barra evokes mystical allegories about the universe, blending sensual movements and expressions in each of his pieces. His work combines an interest in the human form with a deep desire for symbolic content, establishing a unique visual language that reflects the complexities of the human condition.
De la Barra’s artistic approach is focused on creating a personal, magical universe where he distorts and exaggerates reality. As a Surrealist, he crafts a subjective world that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined, inviting viewers into a dreamlike, otherworldly experience.
A graduate of the Fine Arts Autonomous Superior School in Lima, Peru, De la Barra studied painting, illustration, and murals. His academic training, combined with a natural inclination toward abstraction, led him to develop a distinctive figurative style that quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach. His reputation is firmly established throughout South America, where he has a history of distinguished exhibitions and awards. Internationally, his work has garnered recognition across Europe and North America, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in contemporary art.