Natasha Lelenco, Pirate with Plants and Insects, 2022, Acrylic & Spray Paint on Plywood

"The Pirate And Those Tiny Problems" is one of the pieces from the "Fetishes" series created by Natasha Lelenco in 2022. Man and nature become one in artist Natasha Lelenco's surrealist work. She portrays a character marked by ambiguity, an androgynous figure from which different forms of life emanate. It confronts the viewer with their gaze while being completely absent. The artwork speaks of a state of perplexity in the face of the reality that surrounds us, denial concerning climate change, and unawareness regarding our role in the world. This painting was originated as a commission for the exhibition "Imaxinaria, Mostra Internacional de Ilustración Contemporánea" in Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña, Spain. It is part of the "Fetishes" series where the artist addresses themes such as the human position in nature, questioning anthropocentrism as an unquestionable stance. The piece has been conceived as an absolute whole and does not require a frame. The sides have been worked on and are an integral part of its composition. Lelenco's "Fetiches" series melds portraiture and anthropomorphic forms, achieved through a meticulous accumulation of elements. These elements intertwine with a nuanced thematic exploration, touching upon both kitsch and popular iconography. The series also delves into the inseparable connection between humanity and the larger living community. Drawing from her personal biography, Natasha Lelenco constructs a dialogue between memory and imagery. Through a skillful process, she resurrects fragments of her past to craft fresh narratives that challenge conventional perceptions of existence. This narrative depth, coupled with psychological complexity, echoes classical influences, seamlessly bridging the gap between Renaissance portraiture and contemporary expression. Notably, Lelenco's "Fetiches" series echoes the artistic echoes of Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo. These pieces have been designed to function individually or to be combined into multiple panels, engaging in dialogue with other artworks from the same series. The artist also accepts commissions.