Collection: Diego Palacios

Diego Palacio’s painting reveals various levels that shift between consciousness and the subconscious. This impression is supported by the play of light, shadow, and transparency. Palacio’s works indicate an old master approach, but is broken by contemporary subjects and elements.
Portraiture forms the emphasis in the oeuvre of the Chilean painter. The depicted persons were first staged by Palacios and then photographed. The artist then consciously processes these photographs digitally in order to create the break between the depicted, ancient-looking situation and the contemporary reference. The faces appear in a light reminiscent of Rembrandt or Van Dyck, and the clothes and gestures of the portrayed people also imply bygone times. However, these familiar features and the image that appears in the mind’s eye are broken by the glimmering color effects, distortions and reflections of the faces. Palacio’s images challenge the recipients, put their viewing habits to the test and stimulate questioning.