Statement
I paint in the moment and portray the mind, letting go of thoughts and allowing myself to be surprised. I love capturing the essence of our chaotic emotions and thoughts, reflecting the internal struggle between our outward appearances and inner realities. I’ve become deeply fascinated by the uniqueness of every face and often wonder what lies beneath, inside the mind. We are creatures of emotion, with thoughts constantly simmering within us. I find myself asking, “What mask is this person wearing today?”
I’m intrigued by how easily our faces can deceive. When I complete my work, I often find myself doubting it. In truth, I’m caught in a deep confusion, struggling to discern whether a face expresses happiness or sadness. It’s this uncertainty that I find most captivating, and it’s what I aim to share through my art.
Born in Washington D.C. (USA) in 1996 from the union of a French mother and a Mexican father, Fernando Barrutia Raguer currently resides in France.
After spending his childhood in the United States, he completed his secondary and higher education in France and Spain. As a teenager, he created satirical illustrations before developing an interest in graffiti. His passion for creation led him to photography and, eventually, to painting in 2016.
In 2021, he moved to Mexico, where he lived for two years. In 2023, he embarked on a three-month immersive trip to Cuba, which left him deeply inspired. During his time there, he met dancers, musicians, and painters. Following his Cuban adventure, he traveled to Colombia, where he spent four months, allowing for further exploration and creativity.
Self-taught, Fernando Barrutia Raguer has chosen to work as a neo-expressionist artist. He is interested in Aboriginal pointillism, Mexican muralism, and the art of the Wixáricas, an ethnic group from the Mexican state of Nayarit, where his grandmother was born.
His distinctive work blends both familiar and imaginary elements. He paints in the instant and is particularly interested in depicting distorted faces with exaggerated features and the complexities of the human psyche. His artwork conveys intense emotions through bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colours. The chaotic and dynamic compositions, combined with the colour palette, gives the paintings a raw, visceral feel, inviting viewers to engage with it on their terms, through their own lens and potentially exploring themes of inner turmoil, identity, or suffering.
> Fernando Barrutia Raguer 