Alejo Palacios
Originally from Argentina and currently based in Barcelona, Alejo Palacios was trained professionally as an Industrial Designer; although recently, circumstances of his context coupled with a curiosity to explore new processes, led him to discover a new facet as a filmmaker and conceive a pure and stripped work.
Initial curiosity and inspiration arose from within his own family: He grew up watching his mother painting, accompanying her to exhibitions and galleries of art, and visiting his Grandpa Enrique's house where he would see pure delight in his eyes as he watched him work the wood with the dedication and affection that only a hobby can give.
Later, formal study provided the basis for their knowledge; But it was his work experience in a furniture factory that years later marked the horizon in his path. There he learned the trade of carpenters, blacksmiths, and saddlers with whom he worked with at the same time. He let himself be enchanted by the process and the value of artisan work and what hands are capable of making with such care and dedication. The use of noble and natural materials, and the ability to create with few resources, became a significant part of his creative development.
His works catch those who contemplate him. He began his search by exploring on paper and India ink. This simplicity and austerity of the elements with which he works can only endow his work with absolute strength and honesty.
A wealth of textures and organic shapes make their way as they interact with paper. Generating through painting different materials: from wood, metal and even fabrics. A work with clear intention: “To speak of pure and simple ideas through materials” and this is where the beauty of his work lies, because despite its simplicity it manages to be solid and endowed with personality. It is the craftmanship of his work that moves us, that returns us to our origins, to what, and who, we really are.
“Traditional processes have such a clear and beautiful message that you just have to work with simple ideas to make them stand out.” This is exemplified by the centuries old practice of ink on paper; a practice that defines mankind. This tradition is brought back to its roots through Palacios’ craft of handmaking the paper and allowing it’s form to speak to him as he plays with shape and colour.
”The origin of any creation is born long before the act of creation itself. I am excited to immerse myself in the manufacturing processes of the materials I work with. In many cases I got them from cooperatives or individuals who work with paper production using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. All to give value and celebrate the work of the arts and crafts. The traditional processes have such a clear and beautiful message that you just have to work with simple ideas to make them stand out. I see myself as a craftsman, in a simple and noble way which has a lot to do with contemplating every step I take. I constantly allow myself to be influenced by materials and processes, which are then projected - sometimes explicitly and sometimes more abstractly - into the representation of a material, such as a fabric, or the intersection of woods. To achieve different lines and densities, I use brushes of different coats and types to trace. Sometimes I work with several passes to achieve fullness, and on other occasions I try to work with thin strokes to achieve transparencies. My aim is to constantly keep on exploring new working tools from different regions of the world with the desire to document and promote an almost forgotten craft”
