Interview
Iñigo Sáenz Bermejo
As a versatile artist, Iñigo blends various mediums and styles to explore themes of identity, transformation, and the human experience. With a background in fine arts and digital media, he creates works that engages the viewer both emotionally and intellectually. His passion for experimentation drives him to push boundaries, incorporating elements of installation, painting, and interactive art. Iñigo’s work aims to provoke thought and inspire dialogue, inviting viewers to reflect on their own stories and experiences.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has been an important part of me my entire life. I have been painting since I can remember; I have always been involved in artistic and creative courses, lessons, and activities in general. My childhood wasn’t easy due to a couple of diseases which kept me away from having a common student life, which also gave me a lot of time to pursue my creative dreams. I couldn’t do much exercise and couldn’t either go to school on a regular basis, so having the opportunity to stay at home as a child and as a teenager, my drawing, painting, and visual crafts abilities expanded without limits. My journey started in Spain during my teenage years, though the real process of finding out my potential took place in New York where I went to college.”
What inspires you?
“Scent is painted with the colors of memory, an ephemeral whisper that evokes forgotten landscapes. The perfume of the earth after rain is tinged with vibrant greens, while the sweet breath of a ripe peach unfolds golden hues that illuminate the soul. Fragrances become brushstrokes that shape images: a steaming coffee can evoke the warm embrace of a sunrise, while the salty breeze of the sea unfolds a deep blue that calms the agitation of the being. Through these senses, emotions dance, creating an invisible kaleidoscope where smell intertwines with light, forming an intimate landscape where colors and aromas merge, reminding us that the art of living is found in the subtleties of the everyday, in the silent symphony of a world that breathes and feels through us.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The combination of colors and spices creates a visual and sensory synesthesia that transcends the purely aesthetic; it unites chromatics with natural essences, herbs and spices to evoke deep memories and latent emotions. Each shade can evoke the warmth of an ancestral cuisine, the earthy aroma of cumin, the freshness of mint or the enveloping sweetness of cinnamon. This union of color, aroma and texture transforms the painting into a more intimate experience, where one not only observes, but also feels and remembers. Focusing the work on these elements allows us to capture the invisible: the lived moments, the forgotten smells and tactile sensations that are part of our emotional memory. Thus, painting becomes a sensorial bridge between the present and the past, between the tangible and the intangible.”
How would you describe your work?
“Aromas are memories that float disembodied, whispers of time that refuses to die. An ancient perfume, an open flower in the fog, the smoke of coffee at dawn: each one, an echo of the lived and the dreamed. each one, an echo of the lived and the dreamed. what is scent but the invisible soul of things? That which cannot be seen, but can be felt like a caress without hands. And colors... ah, colors. They are emotions made light. Red, the cry of blood and desire. Blue, the contemplation of the infinite, the silence of the the silence of the soul when it is lost in the sky. Green is the hope that springs from the margins of despair. Yellow, the laughter of the sun when it crosses the leaves. Each tone is a vibration of being, a different way of feeling the world. the world.
Aromas and colors are languages that do not need words. They speak in speak in silence, like the deepest thoughts, like the dreams we cannot name. And isn't life a symphony of these invisible sighs and pigments of pigments? invisible sighs and subtle pigments? We live smelling memories and seeing emotions. The world is not an objective reality, but a dance of impressions that touch us, transform us. What are we then? Perhaps a mixture of essences and nuances. A soul painted with perfumes and lights, walking through a universe that reveals itself not for what it is, but for what it evokes.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Modern art is filled with incredible artists who, despite their lack of global recognition, create stunning and thought-provoking works. For instance, the Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara captivates with his playful yet haunting depictions of children and animals, blending innocence with darker undertones. Similarly, the Brazilian painter Beatriz Milhazes enchants viewers with her vibrant, kaleidoscopic compositions that reflect the rich cultural heritage of her homeland. Meanwhile, the American sculptor Tara Donovan transforms everyday materials into extraordinary installations, challenging perceptions of the commonplace. These artists may not be household names, but their unique visions and contributions to modern art deserve wider appreciation.”
“The perfume of the earth after rain is tinged with vibrant greens, while the sweet breath of a ripe peach unfolds golden hues that illuminate the soul.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process unfolds like an intricate tapestry woven from memories, scents, dreams, losses, and tears. Each thread is a recollection, pulling me back into moments long past, where the aroma of freshly baked bread reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filling me with warmth and nostalgia. As I delve deeper, the faint scent of rain on dry earth conjures dreams of faraway places, sparking ideas that dance like fireflies in the twilight of my mind. Yet, it is in the heartache of loss that I find profound inspiration; the bittersweet tang of tears shed for what once was becomes fuel for artistry, transforming sorrow into beauty. In this labyrinth of emotions, every scent becomes a portal, every tear a brushstroke, guiding my hand as I create and capture the essence of life itself.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is to provoke thought, inspire change, and foster emotional connections in a world increasingly dominated by technology and individualism. They serve as cultural commentators and visionaries, using their creativity to reflect societal issues, challenge norms, and provide solace or joy. As society evolves, this role may expand to include navigating the complexities of digital media and virtual realities, while continuing to emphasize the importance of human experiences and emotional authenticity. In doing so, artists can help bridge divides, rekindle empathy, and remind us of our shared humanity amidst the noise of an increasingly fragmented world.”
