BRISBANE.- Central American figurative artist Carlos Barrios returns to Brisbane with a series of works exploring the undefinable nature of dreams. Showing at Mitchell Fine Art from 29th May, Barrios’ solo exhibition ‘Undefined Dreams’, blurs the realms of consciousness and unconsciousness as he tries to capture the elusive images that have come to him in a dreamlike state.

This exhibition celebrates Carlos Barrios’ process as much as the subject. Working emotively, Barrios has no preconceived notions of what an artwork will look like until it has finished.

As Barrios explains, “I dispose myself before a blank piece and let it come - colours and shapes, lines and dots. Each piece takes on a life of its own. The process is quite an enjoyable one – but not without moments of doubt. The imaginary takes shape and follows a pattern that sometimes remains a mystery,even to its creator.”

Recently relocating to Currumbin in Queensland with his family, dogs, cat and chickens, is it any wonder that Carlos Barrios has filled his artworks with visions of people, animals, coastal and pastoral scenes. It isn’t just the celebration of life but the feelings of joy, love, spirituality and sensuality that Barrios is trying to express.

“I like them to be as they are. These undefined visions allow me the intimacy of a journey that fills my days, with a clear purpose and practice - keeping alive my soul, curiosity and dreams.” Carlos Barrios 2019.

It is this joyous freedom of expression for which artist Carlos Barrios is known and what he is passionate to continue discovering.

Growing up in El Salvador, Carlos Barrios emigrated to Australia over 20 years ago. For the last several years he has worked closely with one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, John Olsen. Such is the esteem in which he holds Barrios, Olsen has taken him under his wing and continues to mentor him.

Barrios began painting figures and creatures from his imagination at the age of six. As the son of an archaeologist, Barrios was immersed in the iconography and sculptural artefacts of the ancient civilisations of Central America from a very young age and was heavily influenced by the figurative elements.

Today, Barrios applies his abstract figurative style to his life in Australia. Recently relocating to Queensland his works are vivid, colourful depictions of his new home. The focus of his work is to paint all that he is grateful for; family, love, laughter, beaches and sunshine. Barrios celebrates the good he believes is in everyone. This is the reason many of his paintings are filled with figures, “I must paint people”, Barrios explains.

Barrios has been a finalist in several art prizes including the Blake Prize, Sulman Prize, NSW Plein Air Art Prize and the Fisher Ghost Art Prize.