Interview
Carolina Holste
Carolina was born in Argentina, where she currently resides. She graduated university with a degree in Computer Science, but was always interested in the arts.
Carolina has participated in several art workshops and courses during the years, with different teachers using different mediums. Her work has been shown in several fairs around the world, like MoMA Art Book Fair and New York Expo. She has participated in exhibitions in Holland, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain and Paraguay, as well as in several cities in Argentina.
Carolina works on canvas with acrylic paints, and with 3D sculptural objects made with pages from old books, giving books a new purpose.
Carolina agrees with Da Vinci that ‘Where the spirit does no work with the hand, there is no art’.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“When I was in school, I was interested in the arts and math sciences. So when I had to decide my future, I chose computer science, in a world where the internet and computers were just becoming important and visible. Even then, I knew I was going to continue the artistic path somehow.
At 21, I went to live in Mexico City. I worked as a systems consultant in the insurance business, but I was able to incorporate some of the Mexican art. As I was working, I attended workshops and courses in drawing, pastels, oil painting and crafts. The Mexican culture is so rich in colors and forms that I was immersed in art all the time. After my time in Mexico, I lived for a short time in the USA, where I tried computer animation. I always tried complementing my rational side with courses like oil and watercolor painting, and ceramic sculpting with live models. I was greatly encouraged by Professor Jim Lloyd.
Once I returned to Argentina, I continued my work in the digital world as a computer consultant. I also continued with my art studies. I started working with acrylics and different mixed media techniques, and I’ve never stopped adding resources and techniques and medias. I can say I’m a self-taught artist.
Today, I am totally dedicated to my artwork. Some years ago, when my children were born, I had to make the difficult choice: concentrate on work 100%, or on the children 100%, have something in between, or just a different arrangement. So I decided to pursue art as a new career.”
What inspires you most?
“Every part of life inspires me. Every part of Nature. Transformation, death, and change inspire me. Black and white, contrast, light, color. These inspire me as well.
Abstract art does not represent images of the everyday life. It is color, lines, textures and form, but they are not intended to represent objects or living things. But maybe they do. That is part of the story each of us carry within; the mystery of revelation is different for each of us. And the connection with the abstract world only develops in our subconscious.”
“Abstract art offers the viewer the possibility of sense, emotion, feeling and connection. Different people can feel different emotions when looking at the same work of art.
The artist feels every stroke of the brush, every color and light. Reality is transformed into emotion, into texture.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I like to explore, and so I don’t pursue a specific objective or message. The themes change as my life changes. The materials I use change as I find new ones. The techniques change as I find new ideas that intertwine with the old ones. The message is just me and my journey of change. I like to pursue different things. I paint, sculpt, photograph. I design sculptural objects. I see textures and art everywhere. And I love to mix new and old.”
How would you describe your work?
“I can’t put together my work and describe it. I like to explore. Currently, I’m working with old books using a technique of book folding, which I mix with resin and other objects that I find and recycle.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Abstract artists are my favorite. But every artist has a color, a texture, a light, a contrast, a form that inspires emotions in me.
I can name one artist, Pedro Roth. He is a renowned artist and PH, and he has this tireless, endless flow of ideas. He wakes up in the morning and starts painting in bed. And his mind is always processing a new idea, a new project which he is always willing to share. He is an inspiration for all of us who know him.”
What is your creative process like?
"My creative process is life itself. I don’t really sketch my work. Instead, when I dream, or have a vision in my mind or an idea, or something, I write it down and immediately go to work.
What may happen is that the original idea changes as I move along the process. I allow the process and the idea to develop or unfold, revealing itself at the end.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist has many roles: connection, emotion, beauty. As an artist, my goal is to connect with people, to make them feel something when they are in the presence of my work.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In 2018 and 2019 as part of a group of artists, we participated in the MoMA Art Book Fair in New York. We were able to exhibit our artist books. Each book created was original and unique.
I am now part of a group of artists, "Galería 2020 - Galería sin paredes" (2020 Gallery without walls). During 2020, after the pandemic started, we got together virtually, to continue our work. We presented virtual exhibitions once a month by open-to-public zoom meetings, in which we exhibited works under pandemic themes, like “Pandemic Bubbles”, “Pandemic Colors”, “Pandemic Party” and “Pandemic Nightmares”. This way we created a storyline and personal diary about our feelings during the pandemic; a story told not only though words but through color, textures, form, light, contrast, music. This initiative helped us through difficult and solitary times. Currently we are exhibiting this “Diary of the pandemic” in Buenos Aires.
In March 2021 this same group got together face-to-face for a solidarity cause. A renowned wine cellar donated wine barrels in disuse, which we intervened and exhibited in an outdoor Buenos Aires city center location. Each barrel is a unique piece of art and they will be auctioned shortly in favor of the Children’s Hospital in Buenos Aires.
Also, during this time, we got together one more time to paint a mural celebrating the four seasons of nature. For us artists, these initiatives are our way of saying good-bye to the pandemic days and hello to being together again, celebrating art.”
Instagram: @caroholste
