Pablo Muñoz Gaviria

Lives and works in Bogota, Colombia

Artist statement

Colombian artist PABLO MUÑOZ, born in Medellín (1988), delves into the universe of trees, unveiling their multiple dimensions and life cycles in a series of meaningful works. His approach encompasses both scientific inquiry and aesthetic admiration, evoking the rich cultural tradition linked to these beings. Trees, with their archetypal symbolism found in myths and cosmogonies, highlight the interdependence of all beings within a single system. The artist employs materials and techniques that reflect the transformations and decline of trees. In some of his works, he restricts himself to using paper (made from tree cellulose) and charcoal, signifying an interest in materials as metaphors for the subject. In "Arboreal Fossils" he creates precise three-dimensional replicas from molds of tree fragment pieces using paper pulp. In the "Arboreal Specters" series, Muñoz uses light as an active element to represent trees. He uses a camera obscura of his own making to project enlarged images of anatomical parts of dead trees directly onto paper, drawing precise optical records with charcoal. This magnification and conversion to black and white expand our perception, revealing the intricate skin as well as the internal structure of trees in an astonishing manner. Muñoz's works urge us to engage in careful observation in a world saturated with fleeting images, paying homage to the uniqueness of individuals and reminding us of the importance of looking beyond the rapid consumption of...

Artwork