Beyond the Frame
The world according to Noelia.
Courtesy of the Artist and de boer (Los Angeles & Antwerp). Photo credit: Jacob Phillip.
Noelia, originally from Barcelona and now based in Chicago, traces her artistic journey from a childhood craving cultural stimuli to a flourishing creative path in the US. Growing up in a survival-focused environment, her art delves into profound themes of intimacy, pleasure, pain, trust, and love, drawn from personal experiences.
She grapples with vulnerability, questioning the extent to which she reveals herself through her work. Despite the challenges, she views her creations as a therapeutic exploration of universal human experiences, aiming to resonate with others.
Noelia's work is heavily influenced by philosophical concepts such as power dynamics, existentialism, ethics, and morality. These influences provide viewers with a conceptual foundation, encouraging contemplation. Showcased globally, her art reflects a growing awareness of personal narratives and perceptions. Stay tuned for sporadic updates through her website and Instagram.
Karen: Can you share with us your journey as an artist, from growing up in Barcelona to becoming a Chicago-based artist?
Noelia: Creativity held immense significance for me from childhood, given the lack of it in my environment. Growing up focused solely on survival—ensuring a roof over our heads and feeding me and my brother—left little room for cultural pursuits. My parents, with limited academic education, grappled with financial struggles, particularly my father. Our home lacked cultural stimuli, possessing only a stereo with a few vinyl and cassette tapes. Media consumption was confined to the TV and radio. Despite these limitations, my hunger for knowledge, books, and art persisted, revealing that my happiest moments involved learning and creativity. Art became a refuge, and once I started drawing and painting, I couldn't stop. Surprisingly, my family consistently supported and believed in my creative pursuits, for which I am truly grateful.
During my teens, my creativity momentarily halted as I entered an anti-art phase, immersing myself in music and skatepark outings. Once that phase passed, I resumed my artistic endeavors, realizing how much it had been missing from my life. However, it wasn't until I moved to Chicago nearly a decade ago that I began taking it more seriously. Reflecting on this, I believe I wouldn't have found the success I have back home in Barcelona. The move to the U.S. stands out as a pivotal moment in my life.
Courtesy of the Artist and de boer (Los Angeles & Antwerp). Photo credit: Jacob Phillip.
Karen: Your art delves into themes of intimacy, pleasure, pain, trust, and love. What draws you to these particular subjects, and how do you approach them in your work?
Noelia: These themes emerge directly from my personal, lived experiences. I constantly grapple with how much of myself I'm willing to reveal through my art and how vulnerable I must make myself for others to truly understand me. It's a challenging place to be, creating profoundly intimate works that might be misinterpreted by the general public. I sometimes feel conflicted, questioning how deep I need to delve, whether being misunderstood truly matters, and if I must dissect every aspect of my being for wider acceptance. The loss of my innocence at a young age is a perpetual source of grief. All the themes you mentioned are fundamental aspects of the human experience, and exploring them serves as a form of therapy for me. I hope that these stories and the emotions I convey can resonate with others as well.
Karen: Your work is known for referencing larger philosophical quandaries. Can you share some examples of how these philosophical concepts influence your art?
Noelia: I draw heavy inspiration from concepts like power dynamics, existentialism, ethics, and morality. These ideas serve as both a conceptual foundation and a springboard for viewers to engage with deeper layers of meaning in my art. The symbols I employ, the contrived theatricality of the works, the obscured faces, and the underlying narratives all reflect the influence of these philosophical concepts. By incorporating these ideas, my intention is to prompt contemplation and dialogue about the complexities of the human experience.
Karen: You've exhibited your work in various galleries around the world. How has the experience of showcasing your art in different cultural contexts influenced your creative process? Has the reaction of the audience been different from one city to another?
Noelia: I still have much to learn, and my journey is ongoing, making it challenging to fully answer this question at this point. However, showcasing my work in different places has heightened my awareness of what I am trying to convey. It serves as a constant reminder that I am in control of my perceptions and narratives, and that the creative process can be as intriguing as I want it to be.
Courtesy of the Artist and de boer (Los Angeles & Antwerp). Photo credit: Jacob Phillip.
Karen: Could you share some insights into your creative process? How do you go about creating a new painting, from concept to completion?
Noelia: My creative process is influenced by various sources of inspiration and variables. It often begins with references or concepts I gather from books, podcasts, movies, scents, tales, internet images, and more. Inspiration can strike at any moment, sometimes while I'm in the shower or just before falling asleep. I keep dream journals or notes, which are essential to my process. Sometimes, an image forms in my mind, while other times, it's a concept that emerges first, leading me to research images or take reference photos. Most of my paintings are a blend of sourced images and my own. Since I'm not adept at drawing accurately from my mind, I usually paint directly from photographs or create collages on my computer. While some paintings turn out great, others don't. There have been instances where I've made small studies before committing to larger pieces, learning from any mistakes along the way. In my opinion, no time is wasted when you learn from your errors—failing is learning!
Karen: Are there any specific artists, movements, or experiences that have significantly impacted your artistic development?
Noelia: My painting teacher from my childhood, Adelaida, has been the most influential person in my artistic development. No single artist, movement, or historical moment has had as profound an impact on me. Learning to use oil paints from her changed the course of my life, without a doubt.
Karen: Grandparents often play a significant role in our lives. We noticed your strong attachment to yours on your Instagram account. Are there any pieces of advice or words of encouragement from your grandpa that resonate with your art or creativity?
Noelia: My maternal grandparents mean the world to me, especially my grandpa, who is the only one I have left. He is unintentionally funny, witty, and incredibly smart. He has had a significant impact on my life, encouraging my painting endeavors by taking me supply shopping and getting my paintings professionally framed. His existence alone is incredibly inspiring. Coming from a family of theater actors, Zarzuela singers, and creatives, he's always advised me not to follow his path of getting trapped in a corporate job and turning away from creative outlets. Instead, he urges me to enjoy and embrace my creativity.
Courtesy of the Artist and de boer (Los Angeles & Antwerp). Photo credit: Jacob Phillip.
Karen: The theme of our winter issue is “Do It Yourself.” Can you share an example of a project where you embraced this approach?
Noelia: Everything I make is DIY. I embrace this approach on a daily basis by never asking for help.
Karen: What upcoming projects or exhibitions can your audience look forward to? Are there any new themes or directions you're exploring in your recent work?
Noelia: I have a few things coming up in 2024, one of them is a show inspired by recurring dreams which I am really excited about. If anybody wants to stay somewhat updated (I am not a huge fan of giving many updates) I have a newsletter that I send out whenever I feel like it. You can sign up for it through my website www.noeliatowers.com or you can follow me on Instagram.