Interview
Claudia Luque
Claudia Luque is a Colombian-born contemporary artist, physician, and mother, who masterfully weaves together her two passions—Medicine and Art. As she often says, "Medicine is art, and Art is medicine." Balancing her medical career with her artistic practice, Claudia finds harmony in creating intuitive, vibrant, and emotionally charged pieces that stir deep introspection and emotional connection. Through her use of acrylic, mixed media, and oil paints, Claudia explores the vast spectrum of human emotion. Her dynamic textures and bold colors invite healing and self-discovery, honoring the beauty and strength inherent in each individual, while also delving into the universal connections that bind us all. By fostering a deep connection with oneself and others, Claudia seeks to cultivate empathy, compassion, and personal transformation for both the viewer and the community. Through every stroke, every hue, she hopes to remind you of your full spectrum—your emotions, your strength, your light. Claudia’s paintings serve as a mirror, reflecting not only your inherent beauty but also the depth and vibrancy that reside within. In this space of emotional exploration and spiritual growth, she invites you to rediscover your true essence, embracing the colors that make you whole.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up in Colombia in an academically oriented family. My father, a chemist and university educator, nurtured my love for science, which inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. But it was my mother who first opened the door to art. As a child, I would watch her bring life to canvas with oils, and she often let me experiment with her materials. Later, I moved to Massachusetts and completed my residency training in Internal Medicine, where painting became a way to balance the intensity of academia with self-care and exploration. Medicine taught me discipline and precision, but art revealed something words could not - an intuitive language of expression. Over the last decade, painting has grown from a path of personal discovery into a profound calling. That journey led me to formal artistic training, and today I embrace both worlds: the physician and the contemporary painter. To me, merging science and art is a deeply human journey - an embrace of all the colors I never knew I carried.”
What inspires you?
“I am endlessly inspired by human emotions and connections, while in nature I find metaphors that guide my work. The unseen forces that shape our inner worlds - the light and shadows we navigate - fuel my creative process. My son is a constant source of inspiration. Swirling forms that symbolize introspection, wild animals, and colorful flowers often appear symbolically in my paintings, calling me to create with both vulnerability and strength.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My paintings explore transformation, resilience, and the beauty of emotional landscapes. In my colorful, textured abstracts, I honor the many inner worlds we each hold and allow them to coexist. In my figurative works - portraits of women, archetypal figures, wild animals, and cosmic portals - symbols of resilience, healing, and introspection emerge. The underlying message is simple yet profound: art is a mirror, reminding us that within all our colors lies our beauty.”
How would you describe your work?
“Vibrant, expressive, and soulful. My work blends the freedom of abstract expressionism with intuitive structure and, at times, elements of realism. Through rich textures and dynamic movement, I invite viewers into a reflective space where emotion and spirit meet.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am drawn to artists who honor emotion and human connection. Monet’s fascination with light and color, Renoir’s celebration of life’s simple joys, and Miró’s playful forms and vibrant palette all resonate with me. I am also influenced by contemporary visionaries, especially Dimitra Milan, whose mentorship profoundly shaped my practice; and Flora Bowley, who gave me permission to trust intuition and play. Above all, my mother remains my greatest influence. Her attention to detail in all her endeavours taught me to pursue excellence, and her beautiful paintings filled my childhood home with color and wonder.”
“My message is simple yet profound: ‘All your colors, all your beauty.’”
What is your creative process like?
“My process begins intuitively—often with color and gesture rather than a fixed plan. I layer acrylics, oils, and mixed media until symbols, forms, and textures emerge. At times, I begin with a more structured metaphor, but the canvas always evolves in dialogue with my emotions. It is both cathartic and disciplined; an act of listening as much as creating.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role is to reflect our shared humanity and remind us that beauty exists in all our colors. Art creates spaces where emotions can be seen and felt before they are spoken. In today’s world - so fast, divided, and noisy - art is more essential than ever as an invitation to pause, reconnect, and rediscover what unites us.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“A particularly meaningful milestone was my graduation in 2025 from the Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program, where I presented my work alongside artists from around the world. That experience reaffirmed my belief in art’s universal language. Currently, I participate in community shows and local events, while preparing to introduce my collections - such as Unveiling Her Soul and Big Cats - into gallery spaces where they can be experienced in their full vibrancy.”
