Gavingo

As I do, I came across Gavingo as I find a lot of my
contributors, by means unknown or maybe by divine
intervention. But, after looking at his art I could not forget
it, the colors he uses to depict the world. So, as I do, I got
in touch with him by email.

Where are you from?
I was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Now I
am living in Punta Cana, Dominican Rep.

Any schooling?
I have a Degree in Graphic Design from the University
UNPHU in Dominican Republic. Another Degree and
Master in Fine Art from the University of Barcelona in
Spain.

What mediums do you use?
So far acrylic has been the medium that has allowed me to
make my research in color harmony and which expresses
best the sensations I am looking for and what I am looking
for right now is disinhibition, childlike expression,
experience and possibilities with acrylic medium.

What's your inspiration?
When I started to study painting I got inspired by the reality as light and plasticity of the medium. I think that the relation between
the visual and the material reality guides you to the essence of the interior abstract image. Also I got inspired by the work of other
painters like Matisse, Kandinsky, Klee, Rothko, Pollock, Cy Twombly and by the aesthetics of the sound coming from
musicians such as Arnold Schoenberg, Rachmaninov, John Cage and currently also Bjork and Hanne Hukkelberg. I am one of
those who perceive abstract painting as music. At present I find inspiration in the reality as experience. For example, at the
moment I am focusing on the essence of the visual expressions of children.

How long have you been painting?
I started drawing and painting during my studies in 1998 in Dominican Republic. But formally when I arrived to Barcelona in
2002.

Do you paint on location, from pictures, or from the mind?
I would like to say that my paintings are a result of the simultaneous experience and there is no real or mental object. But there is
always something on my mind, some intention. For example, I already know what kind of image I am looking for when I make a
"Relation" but in certain moment I get an image that I wasn't expecting, something that comes out from the process itself. These
kinds of paintings are the ones that satisfy me most.

What keeps you going when the going gets tough?
There are times when things get tough between me and my paintings. In those cases I just need to change the way I am working
in, to see the bright side. Other times when things get tough because of the complexity of the social system I try to be patient and
look for simplicity, harmony and possibilities. But in general there is always a way. In tough situations I realize that I wasn't clear
about what I was looking for or it wasn't the right time.

What is the next series?
You never know where the creation is going to take you. I think I will keep on "Relations" for a while.

What would your last meal be?
If I have to decide between Dominican Mofongo, Spanish Tapas, Czech salami, Turkish
Kebab or Greek Gyros, Italian Pizza, BBQ meat with potatoes, Chinese food, Seafood or Salad; I would like to say Salad. But I
can't. Ok... the Steak!

To see more of Gavingo's art please got to www.gavingo.com