Juan de Dios Morenilla, hailing from Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, Spain, brings a unique blend of cultural influences to his artwork. Drawing inspiration from recent popular culture elements such as music, cinema, video games, and cartoons, Morenilla also pays homage to the Spanish pictorial tradition in his creations. His artistic process involves a dynamic sketching phase that undergoes numerous changes before reaching its final form, highlighting the transformative nature of his work.

Embracing the Finality of Painting

Despite the dynamic and evolving nature of his initial sketches, Juan de Dios Morenilla values painting for its ability to capture a specific moment in space and time with definitive finality. This contrasts with the ongoing nature of animation, where movement and change are constant. Through his paintings, Morenilla freezes moments, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a singular visual experience that encapsulates a particular narrative or emotion.

“Smells like Crickets, Tastes like Chicken” Series

In his recent series titled “Smells like crickets, tastes like chicken,” Morenilla delves into the tradition of still life painting. He explores the concept of ‘engravings’ on fruits and vegetables, incorporating messages that lack clear meaning but evoke the sense of ancient carvings found on natural surfaces. This exploration delves into the absurdity of enduring messages that remain indecipherable over time, sparking contemplation about the motivations behind such markings and the human desire for permanence in a transient world.

Artistic Representation and Representation

Juan de Dios Morenilla’s artwork serves as a bridge between cultural influences, artistic techniques, and philosophical contemplation. His pieces not only reflect contemporary cultural motifs but also invite viewers to ponder deeper themes such as permanence, transience, and the human need to leave a mark on the world. Represented by Veta Gallery in Madrid and based in Valencia, Spain, Morenilla continues to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking and visually engaging creations.

In essence, Juan de Dios Morenilla’s artistry encapsulates a fusion of cultural awareness, artistic technique, and philosophical inquiry. His work invites viewers on a journey of exploration, prompting reflection on the intricacies of human expression, the passage of time, and the enduring impact of artistic creation.