Art Blog #53: Contemporary South American Art

Hello Everyone!

I'm Milena López, and today, I'm excited to share my journey and recent online art exhibition at the Hybrid Gallery Von Hauerland. For those of you who are discovering my work for the first time, let me start from the beginning.

South American Painter From an Artistic Family

Originally, I come from Santiago de Chile, a city brimming with the kind of natural beauty and creative energy that always felt like home. Art surrounded me from a young age—both my parents were artisans, working with silver, copper, weaving, and glass. Our home was a unique mix of traditional crafts and creative experimentation, with constant visits to galleries, museums, plays, and even operas. My mother captured these memories through an analogue Canon camera, while my father filled our spaces with sketches of horses, teaching me the importance of observation and anatomical detail. Their at-home studios were like wonderlands, constantly inspiring my own artistic expression.

Cultural Nuances of Latin America

Although I longed to study fine arts or graphic design, the cultural landscape in Chile at the time made that path feel uncertain, so I pursued studies in translation and linguistics. But I never stopped creating. My work in art continued quietly until a pivotal moment—an internship at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. There, I met a museum guide who not only shared his work with me but also offered me glimpses into the inner workings of art conservation. I was mesmerized, sneaking down to the basement whenever possible to watch restorers revive pieces and learn about the many facets of the art world. Those encounters strengthened my desire to explore my creative side further.

Journey of South America Abstract Painting across Europe

Eight years ago, I moved to Stuttgart, Germany. That change brought me the clarity and freedom I needed to fully dedicate myself to painting. I invested in materials and took painting courses, starting small by capturing miniature birds, family portraits, and the intricate beauty of African tribeswomen. Yet, the sea eventually enchanted me, drawing me into the fluid, natural forms that now define much of my work. Germany has a phrase, “things escalated quickly,” and that’s precisely how my artistic journey unfolded. I soon found myself meeting other artists and gallery owners, setting up a small studio at home, and traveling to Stockholm, Monaco, Munich, and later Madrid to showcase my pieces alongside international artists.

My Artistic Vision in Abstract Painting

People often ask me how I approach a new work, what I’m thinking about when I start. For me, it feels so natural—I'm deeply captivated by the color blue and the delicate forms found in nature. The organic line, untouched by force, resonates with me. Acrylics have become my medium of choice, particularly because of how they blend with water, letting me explore these themes of fluidity and connection even further. The natural world is a constant source of wonder. It’s a humbling experience to observe the precision, harmony, and function within each ecosystem. Every element has its place, from the iridescent mother-of-pearl on seashells to the speed and grace of a hummingbird. There's a certain power in a coral reef or the resilience of plants growing in narrow cracks on a pavement. These observations ground my work and fuel my artistic vision.

Next Steps in my Artistic Path

Art feels like a way of connecting to this intricate web of life around us, of finding my place in it. I hope that through my paintings, I can offer a glimpse of this beauty and inspire others to see the world anew. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope to see you soon online to view my paintings in the Hybrid Gallery Von Hauerland.

Milena López