BIOGRAPHY
Lares Torcates (b. 2004) is a Venezuelan painter based in Miami and Savannah. They specialize in acrylic painting and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Painting and Business Management at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Motivated by their occurrences about life experiences, Lares combines different aspects of themselves in absurd schemes with realistic elements. They use their paintings as a reflection of their inner monologue; inspired by sexuality, gender, childhood experiences, and made-up universes. In a way, shattering any idea of accurate depictions of reality. Which is achieved by combining high realism self-portraiture with unrealistic hypothetical scenarios.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I think of my self-portraits as time capsules; they serve as chronological documentation of how my self-perception changes over time. Through absurd interpretations and subversions of reality, I want to create a hypnotic effect on the viewer, where they can uncover a secret meaning to the made-up worlds I trap myself in forever.
EXHIBITIONS
- AXA Prize 2024 Student Art Competition, displayed at the New York Academy of the Arts. Selected among 40 finalists competing at a national level.
- Artworks showcased at the Boomer Gallery “Dreams and Nightmares” exhibition in London, UK - Displayed from 01/12/2024 - 01/17/2024
- Featured in the BowSeat’s Ocean Advocacy Art Gallery Online gallery for the contest theme “Climate Heros in Action", I was selected among 4000 students internationally.
- Artworks exhibited at the Studio 18 Art Complex for the 18th Annual Art Competition- Displayed from 05/05/23-07/10/23. Juried exhibit featuring two artworks selected by the faculty out of 500 entries.
- Six artworks exhibited at the Brooklyn Cafe- Displayed from 03/27/2023- 09/01/2023
- Artwork exhibited at the Alliance for the Arts 37th Annual All FL Exhibition Displayed from 03/03/23-04/01/23. Juried exhibit featuring 64 works chosen from 720 submissions by FL residents
- Artwork exhibited at the Coral Springs Center of the Arts- Displayed from 03/01/2022- 03-31-2022. Selected by the Art Committee of Broward County Public Schools.
- Featured in Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach- Displayed from 11/22-11/24/2019. Showcased one original artwork for the “Between the Walls Exposition”.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
- The Arnell Lewis Land Art Endowed Scholarship, 2024
- SCAD Dean’s List, 2023 - Present
- Grand Prize Winner Foundation Studies Rides and Tides Skateboard Award 2024 ($800 check prize and certificate)
- We All Rise Prize Visual Art Category ($750 cash prize and certificate)
- Honorable Mention Visual Art Category ($250 cash prize and certificate)
- Certificate of recognition on the Superintendent's Advanced Placement Studio Art Exhibition