Francisco Manuel Diaz, aka PASTEL
Painter and architect (UBA), his artistic practice is situated in a territory where matter is an intervention: a gesture that alters, infiltrates, and exposes the very conditions of what it touches. His work does not start from a pre-existing image, but from a body; from a surface charged with memory, tension, and time.
He conceives his work as an expanded painting, where the pictorial and the sculptural intertwine, and where time does not threaten the form but rather activates it. Matter, in its fragility, constitutes a critical territory for him and implements a historical revisionism that questions and challenges established norms.
His art explores the unbridled spirit that resides within us, the duality between strength and vulnerability, as well as the constant struggle between control and chaos. Through his brushstrokes, Ricardo invites us to reflect on our own inner fires and the wild forces that shape our existence. His practice relies on a meticulous balance between powerful images and subtle details, between minimalism and boldness.
His paintings, executed using the traditional oil-on-canvas technique, are particularly renowned for their classic realism combined with contemporary themes. One of the key characteristics of his work is the frequent use of black and white, which, in his opinion, gives his works a «timeless style» and allows him to explore «feelings» more deeply. In a contemporary approach, Ricardo seeks to create «visual, cultural, and historical hybrids» by blending classic references with modern elements.
His work highlights striking contrasts and harmonious connections between different themes. By allowing them to coexist, Ricardo shows that very different subjects can tell a common story, thanks to the emotional depth and artistic expression that connects them.
WORKS
