Neko Santos, an artist hailing from Vigo, Galicia, possesses a talent that has flourished organically and instinctively. His artistic journey has led him to the creation of captivating abstract artworks. Collaborating closely with his friend José Luis, they have collectively given birth to ALLO! STUDIO. Nestled in the quaint town of Sant Vicenç de Montalt, adjacent to Barcelona and graced by the presence of the Mediterranean Sea, this studio serves as their creative sanctuary and the birthplace of remarkable artistry.
How did you get into art?
From childhood, living in proximity to stone quarries where artisans sculpted stone, the visual allure of artistry caught their eye. A passion for drawing and painting ignited, eventually leading them to the world of graffiti and urban art, where expansive walls became their canvas. Despite steering their professional career towards design and fashion, their artistic flame never flickered. Collaborating with José Luis at ALLO! STUDIO, they have rediscovered their artistry in a more mature and focused manner.
How would you describe your style? What makes your art special?
Since a young age, an affinity for the beauty and intricacy of abstract forms, with their capacity to evoke sensations and emotions, has defined their artistic journey. Within ALLO! STUDIO, exploration of abstraction has taken myriad forms, with minimalism assuming a pivotal role in both their work and personal identity as an artist.
As a creative force within ALLO! STUDIO, their primary focus lies in crafting diverse pieces that aim to communicate and connect through visual experiences. The interplay of forms, materials, and colors is a continuous voyage of discovery, with a goal to construct unique works that bridge the gap between ALLO! STUDIO's creative universe and the personal experiences of viewers.
How do you go about developing your work?
At ALLO! STUDIO, the selection of materials is a meticulous process, with an emphasis on three-dimensionality and texture. Cement and plaster bases are recurrent choices, enabling the molding and creation of substantial volumes. However, it's not just about aesthetics; there's a profound connection with nature in the selection of organic and occasionally discarded materials, which metamorphose into novel art forms. For ALLO! STUDIO, it represents a harmonious coexistence with nature, utilizing its materials while contributing to its preservation.
Who or what influences you?
Neko's inspiration for ALLO! STUDIO draws from her roots and his environment, but goes beyond the visual and tangible. Stone from the quarries represents strength and durability, while graffiti represents freedom and expression. These elements combine with her background in design and fashion to create a unique and refined aesthetic. Neko's inspiration is found in nature, in the contrasts between solidity and fluidity, in the colours and textures that intertwine to create a universe of her own. ALLO!’s work is a reflection of her experience and emotions, a constant journey into the unknown and the surprising.
What are you planning to do next?
They draw inspiration from diverse sources and experiences, fostering curiosity and exploration. Their future brims with excitement, with ongoing projects like their submission for the Loewe Craft Prize and the forthcoming presentation of the sculpture series "The Shells." ALLO! STUDIO's ambitions extend to collaboration with galleries in Barcelona and Paris, broadening the audience for their creations. The horizon is bright, and they eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of their artistic journey.
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