Behind the Canvas: Santiago Mals
A focus on his creative process.
This interview features an engaging conversation with Santiago Mals, who shares his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his work, and his perspective on the world around him. Discover the mind of an artist and the stories that shape his creative expression.
what draws you to use a dominant colour in your paintings? Is there a specific reason behind the colour choices?
Color plays a significant role in my work. The psychology of color strongly influences my choices, as it’s a powerful tool for reinforcing the emotions I aim to convey on each canvas.
How has your transition into abstract art changed the way you approach your work?
That transition is still ongoing, so it’s hard to say for sure. However, it has helped me let go of many rules and constraints I used to impose on my process. For me, abstraction offers the freedom to work with fewer boundaries.
What challenges have you faced in moving from more traditional styles to abstract painting?
The hardest part has been stepping out of my comfort zone and resisting the urge to incorporate real-world elements into my compositions. I’ve had to avoid picturing still lifes, landscapes, or recognizable figures, and instead, simply let go and embrace the abstract.
Do you feel your Colombian heritage plays a role in the themes or colours of your work?
I believe that being Colombian and coming from my unique experiences has given me a broader perspective, allowing me to engage in a dialogue with the realities of Australia. This exchange of perspectives fuels my work and shapes my artistic voice.How do you decide when a piece is finished, especially with abstract art?
The painting speaks to you, and you have to listen.
What emotions or ideas do you hope to express with your current abstract series?
This series of abstract paintings explores the interaction between the weather and the city I live in—the way light hits the buildings, the feel of the air after rain, the sunset over the skyline, and how twilight touches the suburbs.
What role does texture play in your oil or acrylic paintings?
I tend to create visual complexity by combining the textures of the canvas with layered brushstrokes, working with multiple layers and carefully managing transparencies.
How has your use of colour evolved over time, and what do you hope to explore next with it?
In the beginning, I was more focused on textures than colors. Over time, color has become a tool in my practice, but also a language of its own. I’m still learning how to make it an integral part of the dialogue within my paintings.
Can you share a specific painting where you felt the strongest connection between colour and emotion?
Absolutely! That painting would be “Night” from my abstract series. The way the shapes interact with each other really resonates with my feelings about the night in the suburbs.
What are your future goals as an artist, especially in the abstract space?
I want to continue exploring the possibilities of this type of art and see how far it can take me.
