Art

PARKWAY Artist Interview: Pablo Zamudio

Born in Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico in 1974, Pablo Zamudio started painting at the age of 15. He moved to Vancouver in 1998 at the age of 24 where he began working in graphic design for various companies, while continuing to paint. From 2003 to 2020 he ran El Kartel, a Vancouver clothing store which quickly became a hub for arts and culture in the city. In 2013 he returned to painting, specifically geometric abstraction and Op Art. He is currently focused entirely on his art.

Pablo Zamudio is one of ten artists we selected to be part of a community plan project by BlueSky Properties in Downtown Surrey called PARKWAY. Their mission is to bring community to life in Surrey, and for us, a focus on art and culture is what leads to a truly vibrant and activated community. With this in mind, we are using their new sales centre to highlight art and artists inspired by life here in BC. The first two images below were purchased from Zamudio for the space. You can read more about the project here.

Art by Pablo Zamudio
Art by Pablo Zamudio

Booooooom: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?

Pablo Zamudio: My work is a mix of Geometric abstraction, Op Art illusions, clean-edged monochromatic fields, vibrant colours, deceiving light/shadow and transparency effects.

What is your motivation for making things? Why do you create?

There are a few reasons why I like to create, in my case I believe while creating I connect with the higher self (universe) and put my ego aside, it’s a form of meditation and form of divination. The process is as important as the finish result and when other people discover something special in the works and give meaning to it, it’s the biggest reward.

Kitsilano Sessions Vol.1 by Pablo Zamudio

Can you share a little context or a story about this specific artwork? 

As a geometric abstract painter I like to have no references or solid ideas of what I’m about to create, rather surprise myself and, once the work is done, I can relate what I see to a past experience, a place, feeling or situation. In the case of “Kitsilano Sessions Vol.1,” when I looked at the finished work I imagined a hardcover book sleeve that could be about Kitsilano in the late 80’s, the shapes made me think of windsurfs, sailing and the bright colours I love from that era.

How has living here in BC inspired you?

Living in B.C has inspired me so much, being surrounded by beautiful mountains, trees, and the water is a blessing. I have the fortune to live steps away from the ocean and everyday spend time admiring the ripples of the water and its patterns, the shapes of rocks, colours of the sunsets, trees, leaves, moss and the wildlife.

Art by Pablo Zamudio
"As a group and community we can learn so much from each other and have a bigger impact with the things we do."

With everything that is happening virtually these days, how important is it for you to still be part of a local arts community?

It is very important, especially now that people are getting used to doing everything from home and barely interact with others. Unfortunately the pandemic didn’t help much with this situation. There’s nothing like sharing ideas, emotions and celebrating life with those around you. As a group and community we can learn so much from each other and have a bigger impact with the things we do.

Art by Pablo Zamudio

What’s one goal you have for this next year?

I would love to start experimenting with my artwork in the 3D world.

What about one thing you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?

Live in the South of France for a couple years, have a studio there and be able to travel all over Europe in that time frame.

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