Artist in Focus: Eloy Milán

Born on November 23, 1981, in Havana, Cuba, Eloy Milán, a self-taught artist, discovered his passion for the plastic arts in childhood. Despite lacking formal education, he pursued a career as a workshop mechanic after high school, although he never practiced it. Working in a canning factory for a decade, he felt the urge to express himself artistically.

After completing his tenure with a state company, Milán embarked on his artistic journey, experimenting with self-taught methods. Connecting with friends, he showcased his work at various venues in Havana, including The Provincial Center of Plastic Arts and Design, the Gallery of Art of Boyeros, and alternative spaces in the city. Through his artist friend Norbert Feger, he even exhibited in Offenburg, Germany. Currently based in Abuja, Nigeria, Milán continues to explore and create in the realm of the plastic arts.

Artistic Style and Techniques:

Milán's artistic style and techniques are enigmatic and resist easy classification. As he puts it, "Describing my artistic style, being my own artist, is difficult for me since I keep this distant when creating." He focuses on the communication that occurs when someone stands before his paintings, emphasizing the connection to the universe's essence as the driving force behind his work.

His artistic repertoire is characterized by an array of styles and techniques, reflecting a unique fusion of emotions, psychological characters, and timeless themes. The characters that inhabit his mind become the conduits for narratives that span cultural, anthropological, and even interplanetary dimensions. Milán's creations navigate between past and future, offering viewers a rich tapestry of symbology and storytelling.

Themes and Motifs:

Milán's recurring themes center around characters that embody emotions or psychological traits, acting as vessels for narratives that transcend time and space. His work weaves together cultural, anthropological, and narrative elements, creating a visual language that flows between dimensions, planets, and mental states. Each piece is a journey, inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning embedded within.

Inspiration:

When asked about his inspiration, Milán eloquently states, "My inspiration comes from the desire of the intention, I want to achieve the connection to the universe that contains everything in essence." This desire keeps him in a perpetual state of restlessness, pushing him to see more and stay focused on the creative process.

Career and Impact:

Milán's career has been marked by key milestones, with his art showcased in various prestigious venues in Havana and even reaching international audiences in Offenburg, Germany. However, one notable turning point in his life was his move to Nigeria. Contrary to what one might expect, the decision was not primarily driven by artistic experiences but rather by personal ties—his wife. Living in Nigeria has not only enriched his personal life but has also influenced and reinforced aspects of his artistic identity.

Legacy and Future Outlook:

As for the future, Milán is not fixated on specific themes or ideas. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and relishing the unknown opportunities that the future holds. His philosophy revolves around marveling at the surprises that life may bring, a mindset that undoubtedly adds an air of anticipation to his artistic journey.

Eloy Milán's artistic odyssey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the ceaseless pursuit of creative expression. His work, characterized by its enigmatic style and rich thematic tapestry, invites viewers to explore the depths of human experience and the interconnectedness of the universe. As he continues to create and evolve, one can only anticipate the captivating surprises that the future holds for this self-taught artist based in the vibrant city of Abuja, Nigeria, and the global impact his unique perspective will undoubtedly leave on the world of plastic arts.