Santos Orellana
Born in Honduras, surrounded by the legacy of the indigenous culture of the Maya, Santos belongs to the ancient worlds of temple-pyramids, sprawling lost cities, and a vast array of visual arts. Arriving in Newburgh, New York he found himself amidst street art and urban jungles. The symbolism from these vastly different worlds combine to define his unique aesthetic.
Artist Statement
"What I do, at its core, is create pictures that emerge as byproducts of a delicate exercise, a constant balancing act between the conscious and the subconscious. Through this practice, I find myself unlocking memories that, for reasons unknown, had remained inaccessible until that moment. Now, 20 years into this journey, I’m convinced that this process offers me profound insight into the essence of who I was, who I am today, and perhaps even a fleeting glimpse of who I might become, whether in the near or distant future."
The Adventure
Initially drawn to the syllabic nature of physical science's language, Santos attended Marist College, New York and began his scholastic career in the field of chemistry. After graduating in 1999, Santos found himself working for various pharmaceutical companies, exploring the complexities of compounds, properties, and the behavior of matter. After learning of San Diego's 'Biotech Beach' a sudden transformation began and with bags packed, Santos sets out yet again to discover a new landscape with an unforeseen direction, unbeknownst to him.
It is here, in Ocean Beach that the convergence of his applied scientific world met his creative voice; and although often repressed, its this voice that continues to emerge as Santos becomes familiar with the colorful and expressive communities of Southern California. As he picks up a brush for the first time, he remembers, "Paying attention. Paying attention to this existent world, where it can be altered and aggravated, but very accessible."
