In this interview, we dive into the world of printmaking with Andrés, a Chilean artist who, with his critical and socially-driven vision, has brought his art from Santiago to Melbourne. From the initial challenges of migration to the blending of techniques and cultures in his work, Andrés shares his artistic journey, his influences, and how art allows him to keep a vibrant connection with Chile. Don’t miss this chat about art, migration, and a passion for printmaking!
Tell us about yourself, your story, and how you got into art.
Hello, I'm Andrés. I was born in Santiago and studied Visual Arts at UMCE in 2005. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to printmaking, thanks to some friends who lent me the tools (Calderon, of course), and the great teacher Aldo Garrido, who always encouraged me to make woodcuts from scratch.
What brought you to Australia, and how have you experienced your art here?
I came to Australia looking for a challenge and, of course, to give my printmaking a new twist. Initially, it was tough because I took on physically demanding jobs, but I never stopped making prints. I’ve participated in group shows and solo exhibitions, and for the last two years, I’ve been working in a print studio, printing for Aboriginal artists. I work with the same techniques I’ve been using for the last 19 years, now adding metal engraving, which I’ve been practising for the past two years.
Andrés brings a very intimate and reflective touch to his work. Printmaking is an excellent tool to portray the social.
How would you define the purpose of your work?
The purpose of my work is 100% about informing and describing social narratives.
Have you had influences from other artists and/or art movements?
I admire Mexican printmaking a lot, and I think José Guadalupe Posada is one of my main influences, alongside Santos Chavez (a Chilean printmaker), a few German artists, and of course, some friends who are developing a very powerful graphic style in Chile right now.
Tell us about your recent projects.
My recent project is a series of prints focusing on workers, viewed through the lens of migration.
This is a very close and relevant topic, given the significance of migrants in various work sectors.
Is there a piece of your own that has marked you more than others, and why?
I think my last solo exhibition at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre was a great experience, as I had to delve into typical situations in Melbourne, Australia, and see myself as part of a culture different from Chile, like just another entity contributing to this society.
The experience of seeing oneself within another culture always leaves a mark.
What pieces will you present in this exhibition, and what inspired you to create them?
The work will be called “Saludo a la Bandera” and captures a bit of everything happening in Chile since I came to Australia.
What are your expectations for this exhibition?
As always, to showcase my work and share a bit of what it’s like to be, be born, and live for so long in Chile.
Looking back on your career, what has been one of the most meaningful moments for you as an artist?
I think the most significant moment as an artist was setting up my first solo exhibition here, in Melbourne, far from home, and receiving an incredible response in terms of both sales and content.
Have you noticed any major differences in the art scene here compared to Chile?
I think the big difference between Chile and Australia is that in Chile, art is for everyone, it’s everywhere, in every corner, free and with many talented artists in various disciplines. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist here; I just think that here, being an artist carries a lot of symbolic weight, with a distinct line between being “good” and just doing it as a hobby. Making a living from art here is a challenge that not everyone can achieve, but even so, the access to quality materials makes it very accessible.
What are your upcoming projects or goals in your artistic career?
My upcoming projects are to prepare an exhibition for 2025 and, little by little, set up my own professional print studio.
How important is it for you to connect with the Chilean community in Australia through art?
It’s always important to connect with people who speak your mother tongue, especially if you share cultural, political, and social ideas.
Would you like to continue being a part of these gatherings? Do you have any ideas to continue strengthening the Chilean-Australian community?
I’d love to keep contributing to this idea, I find it really interesting, and I’d genuinely like to see fellow artists’ growth, especially as they navigate migration with its challenges and build a bigger family to avoid feeling the melancholy of distance from our homelands.
What message would you like to leave for those attending the gallery?
I hope they enjoy my perspective on Chile, having lived away from that reality for six years now.
How can interested people follow your work or get in touch with you?
You can follow me on Instagram @xiloblanconegro.
Through this conversation, Andrés has shown us how his art not only informs but also connects cultures and offers a critical perspective on the social and the everyday. His upcoming participation in the Chile Sentido exhibition promises to be an honest reflection of his life in Australia and his view of Chilean reality. We invite you to be part of this experience and discover the stories behind each work.
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