Exploring the country’s nature, especially rainforests and mangroves, has been Costa Rican artist Alejandro Villalobos’ passion for the past 18 years. Marveling at the beauty of his country’s national parks sparked a desire in Villalobos to transfer his impressions and sensations onto to the canvas through the use of industrial materials, and to create sculptures focused on conservation.

When Villalobos was 14 years old, he began art classes at the Casa del Artista, under the tutelage of Costa Rican artist “Chino” Morales. He later received a scholarship from the Autonomous University of Central America (UACA) and enrolled at their arts school, where he studied painting. He went on to study engraving at the Fine Arts School at the University of Costa Rica (UCR).

He combines metallic powders, polyurethane varnishes and thinners to yield an approach never before seen in Costa Rica Villalobos doesn’t resort to traditional materials such as acrylics and oils. His inquiry into technique, perfected over the years acquires an unusual autonomy and instead of merely being a support or a platform, becomes central to his work.

Brought out in the paintings are the telluric forces of the planet, its virgin territories, the energy of the earth, its capacity for renewal and destruction. Painted with astonishment and awe the canvases reveal the grandiosity of nature, its immense force and overwhelming fascination. Volcanoes, jungles, lakes, storms and the abyss are invaded by aluminum and gold that “sever” the continuity of the canvas and “interrupt” the marks of color, thus giving the distinct dimension which characterizes his work.