One to Watch

David Molina Molina

David Molina Molina is an emerging artist from Merida, Venezuela. He began working on his BFA in 2010 at the Universidad de los Andes, Venezuela. Working with drawing and mixed media, he explores themes of loneliness, lack of space, isolation, longing, the home, and family relationships through his careful consideration of composition and line. His works are primarily figurative studies; by paring down the color palette, the focus comes to rest on his flattened out and reductive human forms. David has exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art Juan Astorga Anta, Venezuela, the III International Biennial of Contemporary Art, Colombia, as well as at various exhibitions in Venezuela.

What are the major themes you pursue in your work?
A common theme in my works is man’s need to have his own space to inhabit and leave his mark, as well as their opposition, like the absence of this space itself. I am also dedicated to representing men inside houses as well as how one inhabits oneself. From my perspective, I rummage and explore human relationships and the symbolic properties we attach to objects as a representation of human activity. My portraits decipher the primary feelings of living in a home.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Any person that is dedicated to art must consider something very fundamental, and that’s honesty. The artist who develops his or her own language reveals their life in the artwork and will work for their art. In this way, the artwork evolves. In my opinion, the most honest artists have a universal language and develop the ability to handle such simple and complex symbols that at the same time can move people. That’s where I find art.

Prefer to work with music or in silence?
Sometimes I listen to acoustic music, folk music, and experimental music when I work, but in general I’m more creative in complete silence. For this reason, I usually work at night, while everyone is asleep. I can listen to myself better.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
It’s a hard question. I admire many artists, but the “cells” of Louise Bourgeois take my heart.

Who are your favorite writers?
I think it depends on what mental state I am in. I actually like to read authors who write about art, drawing, and life, like Jhon Berger, Mario Benedetti, León Tolstoy, and Juan José Gómez Molina.