THE FLOWER POWER.

Four Elements - Earth/Tierra

By Loren Escandon

“Painting saved my life,” says Colombian artist Alicia Maria Vallejo.

Her beginnings with art were rough, because as a little girl in the Conservatory of Music in Cali, Colombia her music teachers did not see any talent within her; "The professor ignored me completely" says Alicia. Fortunately, at the age of 9 she had the chance to travel to England, where she decided, in secret, that painting was her thing. "I spent long hours in the museum staring at the art without getting bored, but I never tried to paint.”

Life and curiosity led her to study Urban Anthropology, serving in this field during the administration of mayor Antanas Mockus and Enrique Peñalosa in Bogota, Colombia. After a certain period of time and without the political influence necessary to renew her contract, Alicia was unemployed for a period longer than anticipated. It was then, in her early 30s, that she decided to get into painting classes, as a way to reduce the stress the situation was causing her, "The classes were for older women who were going to complain about their husbands and their maids while painting wooden boxes" recalls Alicia while she burst out laughing. This was the beginning of what is now a life dedicated to painting.

Flowers of our garden - Enredos de Pasión

Several collections have been part of the process to find her style. After painting everything within the reach of her fingertips, from wooden boxes, to chairs and coasters, Alicia began to paint on canvas. Influenced by Mexican and Dominican Republic arts she created a tribute to the Afro Colombian culture named The Colors of Colombia. Subsequently, the influence of Warhol did its part with the collection Urban Color and she experimented with appropriations of famous works of Van Gogh and Picasso.

"Painting is therapeutic and very emotional for me" states the artist, before explaining how the series Flowers of our garden was created. “This series marks a time of rebirth and hope” express Alicia with intensity. That same intensity is reflected in the variety, fragility and flower power in her paintings. It was with this collection and without total consciousness that Alicia found her present style, "Now I don't see myself painting without my flowers" she says. And from one flower to the other, she has been able to implement innumerable ideas, landscapes and feelings to her creations. Series like Four Elements and Arboreidad are proof of this.

Colombia, Belgium, Monaco, Beijing and New York have seen Alicia’s flowers in all their glory, it is now the turn for Paris. The Museum The Carrousel Du Louvre, is the next stop of this wonderful artist, who has been able to infuse her art with apparent simplicity, with her Colombian roots; the colors and aromas of culture influenced by its two seas and a chain of mountains that offer the perfect inspiration for her soul.

Asking Alicia the meaning of arriving to The Louvre, she answers with simplicity, "It means that I have believed in myself, that I have given free rein to my heart and passion. Because let me tell you that painting is not easy."

Arboreidad - Arbol de la Paz-Ciencia

This mother, daughter, sister, friend, anthropologist, professor and good cook influenced by the energy of her late father Mr. Jorge Vallejo, a soul filled with wisdom and patience and by Monet, is ready to share with the world  the happiness and tranquility of her work, "I cannot paint sadness," says Alicia and it is true, her work draws a smile on peoples soul. 

Painting classes with the artist at Trazos

The Carrousel Du Louvre October 24 - 26, 2014

By Loren Escandon