Daniel Dobarco is spotlighted in the New Voices series, which highlights emerging artists who showcase their art on ArtConnect.

Daniel Dobarco focuses his production on painting and sculpture, creating spaces that reference the world of video games and fantasy culture. His work creates a fictitious world from a tragicomic point of view which is inhabited by certain beings extracted from the new gamer mythology, fiction literature and popular culture, but in the end this is nothing more than a histrionic reflection of ourselves. This fictional world is used as a gateway to talk about things that would not fit in ours, personal and social concerns without having the need to be legible or justify itself, being able to play and turn the speech into something obtuse and strange, a place of refuge and
analysis.

Curious to gain more insight into his artistic approach and undeniably unique perspective, we asked Daniel a few questions.

How would you describe your artistic style, and what inspires your work?

My creative influence draws heavily from a tragicomic tradition, particularly rooted in Spanish culture. Works by figures such as Cervantes or Goya serve as boundless sources of inspiration for me.

Additionally, I find fascination in the European carnival tradition, which delves into ideas like otherness, deviation, transvestism, joy, and the delicate line between the sacred and profane. I appreciate how these perspectives blend what some consider popular culture and high culture. In my work, I play with these boundaries. I've crafted a fantastical world inhabited by characters that evoke archetypes while also reflecting modern influences, such as cinema and video games. Although often dismissed as "low" culture, I believe these forms of expression also have deep roots in tradition.

Within this imaginary universe, I delve into topics that personally interest me, whether they're philosophical inquiries, religious reflections, or life experiences. These combinations create a playful element, with a raw sincerity that simultaneously reflects aspects of society.

How has your work evolved over time?

Initially, I honed my craft from an academic standpoint. As time passed, I ventured into experimentation, discarding certain techniques while embracing new ones. Currently, I find myself in a phase that amalgamates and revitalizes all that I have learned.

“Currently, I find myself in a phase that amalgamates and revitalizes all that I have learned.”

What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?

I'd like to evoke a sense of restlessness, strangeness, and discomfort, reminiscent of the feeling when viewing an engraving by Dürer like "Melancholia" or "Knight, Death, and the Devil." Even if you're not familiar with the symbolism's significance, there's a sense that something is lurking beneath the surface. Yet, I also aim to infuse a touch of humor into the mix, adding a quirky twist to the experience.

What is the process of creating a new work?

I don't have a method; I simply wait.

How do you stay motivated and inspired during the artistic process?

I don't need it; it's the only thing I want to do. The hardest part is finding the time and money to do it.

I aim to portray the melancholy of the artist, the philosopher, or the devout…

…someone who, in some way, feels like a fraud

How do you balance your artistic career with the business aspect of being an artist?

I wish I could answer that question. I'd say I just do it. In the end, if you want to paint and have to balance it with other jobs, you have to find time where there isn't any.

How do you see your work fitting in with the larger context of contemporary art?

I believe contemporary art is more open than ever. Nowadays, there are numerous worldviews and ways to experience art, so in the end, you can always find your niche. My work is primarily painting, but it also delves into the conceptual and the installation realms. Luckily, I can play on multiple fields.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers?

I wouldn't know how to say it. What I always think is that it's what I want to do, and I don't plan on stopping; there's no way I could, unless it's a major force majeure. Perhaps the advice is to brace yourself for hardship, but enduring hardship for something you love is a different kind of suffering, a suffering with a hint of pleasure.

See more of Daniel’s work

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New Voices highlights emerging artists who showcase their unique perspectives and innovative techniques on ArtConnect. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you would like to be featured in a personal interview on ArtConnect Magazine, read through the open call and apply here.