Chasing Shadows: Unveiling the Illusions of Media

Photography must express what words cannot express. Photography is a silent art that grows strong in silence. The photographer does not speak; the photographer only points out. Pointing out is to isolate and delimit the world. Photography is the fragmentary art par excellence. We do not see the world as it is, but as we are. A photograph that is defined beforehand is a dead photograph. A living photograph is one that is created and actualized by gaze.

Art records the seizures of the social. We must account for the events of our time. Photographing the archive, resampling its documents for a stab in the unconscious. Doing an archeology of the present. Exploring the photographic dimension of movement, where overlays, sparkles, and unexpected analogies appear. Marginal elements emerge as untimely interferences, contiguities that generate metaphors: images of images in a double detachment from the real.

We are in the maelstrom of memory; in the hyperreal realm of simulacra. We see the phantasmagoria of a managed world, the dreams of instrumental reason. In the era of emptiness, mass disinformation becomes ubiquitous. Is this the real? Then, the artistic practice produces a paradox: the aesthetic paroxysm leads us to self-awareness.

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Artistic Procedure & Influences

My creative process revolves around a thorough investigation of mass media’s capacity to shape new realities. My visual artwork takes a determined approach, focusing primarily on the use of archival videographic images derived from television broadcasts. I capture these images through the use of long-exposure photography and then manipulate them through the intricacies of digital post-production.

In my artistic journey, I draw inspiration from a diverse range of experimental photographers and artists. Each has left an indelible mark on the realm of artistic expression. I am captivated by Otto Steinert’s works due to their inherent subjectivity, which imparts a personal and introspective quality to the art form. My creative process is profoundly influenced by Edward Steichen’s commitment to pictorialism and its emphasis on aesthetic qualities. My exploration of borrowed images is inspired by Gerhard Richter’s approach to appropriation art, which challenges conventional notions of authorship and originality. In addition, Joan Fontcuberta’s innovative contributions to post-photography have expanded the possibilities for visual storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on my own work.

To complement my artistic influences, I draw from the vast body of critical theory that explores the intricate interaction between society and culture. Adorno’s aesthetic theories have given me invaluable insight into the transformative power of art and its relationship to society. My understanding of the sociopolitical implications of my artwork has been greatly influenced by Max Horkheimer’s instrumentalism, which examines the instrumental nature of culture and its capacity to sustain hegemonic systems. My examination of the mass media’s construction of new realities is guided by Jean Baudrillard’s examination of hyperreality, in which the boundaries between reality and simulation blur. In addition, Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction theory has enabled me to engage critically with the meaning-making processes underlying visual representations.

I employ paratactic writing techniques in my written reflections, drawing inspiration from literary luminaries such as Tristan Tzara and William Burroughs. The cut-up technique, pioneered by these forerunners, enables me to create unexpected juxtapositions and dissonant connections, allowing for a unique exploration of the themes and concepts inherent to my artwork. In addition, I enthusiastically embrace the opportunities presented by AI-assisted writing. This cutting-edge field enables me to hone my writing skills by incorporating, to my usual writing techniques, the most recent advances in artificial intelligence. This hybrid approach enables me to surpass conventional limitations and produce content that resonates profoundly with readers. Through the fusion of human creativity and technological innovation, I try to push the boundaries of artistic expression, generating texts that encourage further research.

In short, my artistic process revolves around the manipulation of archival videographic images captured using long-exposure photographic techniques and then edited digitally. Influenced by a variety of experimental photographers and artists, as well as philosophers and critical theorists, I intend to investigate how the mass media creates new realities. Through the use of paratactic writing techniques and the incorporation of AI-assisted writing, generating hybrid texts that inspire novel theories and encourage research, I hope to contribute through this multifaceted approach to the ever-changing landscape of art and its profound impact on society and culture.

A Brief Biography

Allow me to introduce myself. I was born in the city of Barcelona, Spain, in 1980, and I spent my formative years in the town of Badalona. I discovered the captivating world of photography at the tender age of fifteen, and with an innate sense of curiosity and determination, I began a self-taught exploration about its laboratory techniques.

In 1998, my passion for the captivating image compelled me to pursue formal education in the art of visuals. My growth was fostered by Barcelona, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and artistic fervor. At the esteemed Institut Mare de Déu de la Mercè, I began an educational journey encompassing the realms of film, television, and photography.

In the year 2000, following the completion of my studies, a remarkable opportunity presented itself to me. I started working with the renowned photographer Rafael Vargas as both his assistant and as a skilled photographer in my own right. This relationship lasted for an impressive six years, during which time I gained invaluable insights, experiences, and an unwavering dedication to the craft.

The year 2006 marked a turning point in my artistic career, as I decided to embrace professional independence and enter the alluring world of advertising photography. My innate talent and unrelenting pursuit of excellence quickly garnered recognition, resulting in captivating assignments from globally renowned corporations and prestigious advertising agencies. This chapter of my life enabled me to realize my creative vision while demonstrating the power of visual communication in the commercial sphere.

In 2011, I found solace and inspiration in the tranquil embrace of a small town named Sant Cebrià de Vallalta, as the allure of the city began to wane. This idyllic setting served as the cradle for my ambitious art project, which was surrounded by nature’s splendor. Determined to develop a distinctive artistic voice, I spent countless years studying and investigating the conditions necessary to give life to my artistic vision.

In 2013, however, life, ever unpredictable, took an unexpected turn. The global economic crisis compelled me to seek new horizons, and as a result, I immigrated to Mexico. My temporary residences in Metepec and Toluca contributed to my development and provided me with a new perspective on the world. Playa del Carmen, a picturesque haven in close proximity to Cancun, captured my heart, however. In 2015, I made the decision to permanently settle in this enchanting locale, eventually attaining Mexican nationality and forging a profound connection to the region’s rich culture.

After eight years of introspection and intense reflection, I embarked in 2019 on the production of images for a monumental photographic project aptly titled “The Hyperreal Archive.” This ongoing project represents the culmination of my artistic explorations and serves as evidence of my unwavering commitment to the craft. I am fully immersed in obsessive studies, the generation of textual compositions, and the creation of poignant photographs, which I share with the world via this website.

The Hiperreal Archive Project

To traverse The Hyperreal Archive is to embark on a journey beyond conventional perceptions, as it explores the surreal, juxtaposed, and meticulously constructed. This artistic endeavor transcends the tangible and invites viewers to enter a realm where reality and illusion coexist in harmonious discord. Every photograph in this extensive body of work exudes an otherworldly allure that inspires reflection and introspection.

The Hyperreal Archive is a visual representation of the dynamic relationship between the real and the unreal, the tangible and the illusory. Each photograph embodies the paradoxical nature of existence by capturing fleeting moments suspended in time and inviting viewers to question their own perceptions of reality.

The project provides a profound examination of our collective consciousness. It challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions of reality and prompts them to question the thin line that separates truth from fiction. I seek to expose the fragility of our perceived reality through the deliberate construction of images, inviting viewers to reevaluate their notions of truth and enter the realm of the surreal.

My artistic journey has been one of constant exploration, development, and reinvention. Each step has shaped me into the artist and critic I am today, from my humble beginnings as a self-taught photographer to my collaboration with esteemed professionals and the realization of my own creative vision. The Hyperreal Archive exemplifies my unwavering dedication to artistic expression and my insatiable desire to expand the boundaries of perception. I hope that my work will inspire and motivate others to embark on their own transformative journeys of self-discovery and artistic investigation.

Photography Awards

The recognition bestowed upon me by prestigious organizations and industry leaders is an immense honor, one that I do not take for granted. It serves as a source of inspiration and affirmation, validating my artistic journey and motivating me to achieve greater heights. However, with this honor comes a great responsibility: to continue evolving, pushing boundaries, and contributing to the world of photography, which is constantly changing. I remain dedicated to this endeavor, motivated by a desire to create, engage, and leave a lasting mark on the artistic landscape.

2016 – IPA Honorable Mention – Self-portrait: “Three states of my mind”. Link