At times, Carlos Solis doesn’t understand the mystery and meaning of his dreams. Yet they intrigue — and inspire — the Georgia artist to create surprising and unexpected imagery in his surrealist paintings.
Artist: Solis was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In 1990, he moved to the Chicago area, where he studied graphic design and illustration at College of DuPage, Glenn Elyn, IL.
Solis moved in 2006 to Georgia to be closer to family. In addition to making his art, Solis has worked as a muralist and a freelance graphic designer. He has a studio area in his garage in Kennesaw, in the Atlanta area.
In 2010, Solis founded Contrapunto, a contemporary Latin American Art collective, to promote and expose people in Georgia and the Southeast to the diversity and talent of Latin artists. Contapunto is a Spanish word for “counterpoint.”
Art & materials: Mostly Surrealist-style oil paintings on canvas ($800 to $20,000. A 20 X 20 is about $2,000). Also drawings using ink, acrylics and pencil ($800 and up).
What’s popular: Paintings with animals, such as lions, whales and peacocks. “They are heavily present in my dreams and visions,” said Solis.
What is surrealism: A style in art in which ideas, images, and objects are combined in a strange way, like in a dream.
Favorite tools: Canvas, brushes and Photoshop.
Inspirations: Artists, including Rembrandt, Giorgio de Chirico, Salvador Dali, Yves Tanguy and Sergei Aparin.
Current exhibits:
- Curated “In the Beginning,” a group show at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, GA. Through Oct. 5.
- The Atlantic Contemporary art gallery, Fernandina Island, FL. Through Oct. 14. The exhibit features artists, including Solis, from Contrapunto, the Georgia-based collective.
What’s next:Group exhibit at Robert Kent Galleries, Marietta, GA. Nov. 1.
Where to buy: [email protected]
Connect:
- Instagram: @caslos735
- Website: Contrapuntoart.com
