about the artist
In Juan Rojo’s latest body of work, decoration plays a primary role as an element that intrudes and at times even obscures the faces of the subjects, disguising their identity. Masks and costumes are present in most of the pieces and are used to explore issues of intimacy, as well as the personal narratives of the models and the social concerns of the artist. In the paintings, these individual narratives and social commentary are intertwined, and are the product of the collaborative process between model and artist that materializes at the photo shoots. There is a playful and trusting relationship between Rojo and his (always non-professional) models that allows the him to use their bodies as mannequins, as structures to which all sorts of objects can be attached. Some objects are meaningful to the models, but others are used just to compose form, color, or line. This dress-up process is intuitive and anarchic, but also treated with great care as a fundamental part of the artistic process. This playful approach helps Rojo to discover new forms and to deepen his exploration of the figure.
