FABRIZIO ARRIETA

Hide and Seek

Carl Kostyál is delighted to present a new body of work by Costa Rican-based artist Fabrizio Arrieta, in his first solo exhibition with the gallery.

In an era defined by the relentless flow of digital imagery and the omnipresence of social media, the work of Fabrizio Arrieta emerges as a poignant exploration of identity and human connection. Arrieta, who lives and works in San José, Costa Rica, draws from art history and contemporary cultural critique, creating paintings that resonate with both the past and the present. His practice is a testament to the enduring relevance of painting in a world increasingly dominated by screens, algorithms, and virtual interactions.

Arrieta’s work is deeply influenced by the world of digital images and mass media culture, yet it transcends mere replication or critique of these elements. His paintings often begin with images appropriated from fashion magazines and social media, which he then transforms into compositions that are more graphic than photographic. This process of transformation is not merely technical but conceptual, reflecting Arrieta’s interest in the ways that digital media shape our perceptions of reality and identity.

Informed by a deep understanding of 20th-century art movements such as Constructivism, Cubism, German Expressionism, and Surrealism, in Arrieta’s oeuvre these influences are evident in his technique, which combines elements of these movements into a unique visual language. However, Arrieta’s work is not a mere pastiche of art historical styles. Rather, he uses these influences as a springboard to explore contemporary issues of identity, alienation, and the impact of technology on the human experience. His paintings depict alien-like and anonymous figures that question the boundaries between reality and illusion, reflecting the influence of mass media on the construction of identities.

‘Hide and Seek’ presents a series of Arrieta’s paintings that delve into the complexities of social relationships and identity in the digital age. Some of the works feature several individuals, others focus on couples, and some depict a single figure, but throughout the exhibition, these works are interconnected. The figures in Arrieta’s paintings are not static representations but are dynamic, evolving entities that reflect the fluidity of identity in relation to others. As Arrieta himself notes, “This identity is reflected in relation to others, that is, from a collective perspective.” This idea of collective identity is central to the exhibition, as Arrieta explores how our sense of self is shaped by our interactions with others and by the images we consume.

Arrieta’s exploration of identity is further enriched by his personal experience of geographical and cultural distance. Living and working in Costa Rica, far from the traditional centres of the art world, Arrieta experiences a sense of remoteness that informs his work. This distance is not merely physical but cultural, as Arrieta navigates the complex relationship between global mass media and local realities.

His paintings often reflect this tension, depicting figures that are both familiar and alien, rooted in the imagery of global consumer culture yet transformed by the artist’s unique perspective.

“The artist frequently speaks about distance, a remoteness with respect to North American or Western European mass and consumer culture, that feels alienating and results quite literally in the artist painting alien-like figures, fluid creatures trapped in a web of highly nebulous social constructions.”

– ‘Virulently Retinal: on the work of Fabrizio Arrieta’, Jens Hoffmann

‘Hide and Seek’ showcases a shift from Arrieta’s earlier abstract portraits to more vibrant and animated compositions. Works like ‘Silencio #1’ (2010), which transformed celebrity portraits into surreal figures, represent the starting point of Arrieta’s exploration of identity through the lens of mass media. These early works are characterised by a subdued colour palette and a focus on the anonymity of the figures. In contrast, his more recent paintings, such as ‘La luz y las palabras’ (2023) and ‘Valentin’ (2024), are marked by a bolder use of colour and a more complex approach to composition. These new works incorporate bright colours and dreamlike elements, reflecting a shift toward a more distinctive and personal style.

In ‘La luz y las palabras’, for example, Arrieta uses a vivid palette of blues, reds, and yellows to create a composition that is both visually striking and conceptually rich. The figures in the painting are rendered in a style that combines elements of Surrealism and Cubism. The painting explores the theme of communication and the ways in which words and images intersect in the construction of identity. Similarly, in ‘Valentin’, Arrieta continues to push the boundaries of his style, incorporating influences from cartoons and comics. The painting features a central figure that is part human, part otherworldly, surrounded by a swirling array of shapes and colours that evoke a sense of movement and transformation.

Arrieta’s paintings are not just about the exploration of identity; they are also about the experience of painting itself. As Hoffmann suggests, “Arrieta is gaining his comprehension of the history of modern painting not only by looking at the works and reading about them, but by actually painting in their techniques, gaining corporeal experience.” This embodied understanding of painting is evident in the meticulous execution of Arrieta’s works, which are characterised by their attention to detail and their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and ideas.

Fabrizio Arrieta’s work offers a powerful commentary on the nature of identity in the digital age. Through his innovative use of imagery and his deep engagement with art history, Arrieta creates paintings that resonate with contemporary concerns while also connecting to broader historical and cultural narratives. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and the ways in which they are shaped by the images and relationships that surround them. In a world where reality and illusion are increasingly blurred, Arrieta’s work reminds us of the enduring power of painting to question, challenge, and illuminate the complexities of the human experience.

Born in 1982 in San José, Fabrizio Arrieta lives and works in Costa Rica. Following his first exhibition nearly 20 years ago at the Museum of Art & Design, Arrieta has shown prolifically throughout South and Central America, as well as in New York, Hong Kong and France.