We often discuss the use of light in Sebas‘ work, this mural offers an insight to how he and his team go about capturing it. Escaping the warm glow of inner city street lights, they venture toward the outskirts of town where the light is colder, more sterile and industrial. This is where their research process began for Murart 22, a new arts festival bringing together talented friends for this artist led project; Mantra, Marina Capdevilla, Lidia Cao and DULK.
Sebas joined the project with photographer Jose Delou, and artist Gabriel Coca, his assistant for this production, but an exceptional artist in his own right. The electric and eerie compositions for which Sebas is best known, are often crafted with the critical eye of Jose. Together they build context, composition and light to create the perfect atmosphere for Sebas’ unique portraits.
This latest mural features Claudia, a waitress who they happened across one evening in search of inspiration. After convincing her mother that her participation was for an art project and not something more sinister, Claudia Jose and Sebas managed to create some epic reference shots. The cool lights of the nearby gas station hum with energy, bouncing from her jacket and delicate features for that classic Velasco aesthetic.
Gabriel Coca is a Spanish artist exploring the formal properties of painting. Through abstract colour-fields, he reflects on the relationship between mind and matter. The artist disrupts unknown landscapes, creating a space for creativity that the audience can choose to dwell in.
Sebas Velasco ( b. 1988) is a Spanish painter interested in the relationship between periphery places and people, in forgotten urban environments. Over the last few years, Sebas has become increasingly inspired by the ex-socialist countries of central and eastern Europe. Travelling to outskirt cities, he photographs and researches their histories to reflect on the unique landscapes left behind. His works are often populated with towering, robot-like architecture and seemingly abandoned vehicles, remnants of life from these lost spaces. The cold steel and concrete is offset by the warmth of his expressive lightscapes. Flickering neons and glowing street lights bring an almost otherworldly atmosphere to his compositions. In 2004, he started painting walls in his home town Burgos, before moving to Bilbao where he graduated Fine Arts. He has been the recipient of several arts prizes and he has taken part in various residence grants including “Antonio Gala foundation “ and “ Cátedra Extraordinaria de Albacete” taught by ‘master realist’ Mr. Antonio López. Sebas continues to produce works on the street, as well as maintaining an active studio and gallery practice. He lives and works in San Sebastián.
Images by Jose Delou
