Raquel Blazquez
Exploring human consciousness, trauma, emotion
and connection through colourful figurative art
I am Raquel Blazquez, a self-taught figurative painter, mural artist, and podcast host. For me, art is a way of connecting with people on a deeper level. It's a way of exploring the human psyche, understanding our emotions, and telling stories that inspire, provoke thought, and spark conversations.
Art has always been a passion of mine, and growing up in Barcelona, I was surrounded by so much inspiration and creativity. However, I ended up studying science in college and lost touch with my artistic side. It wasn’t until the Covid pandemic hit that I rediscovered my love for painting. I found solace in creating and used it as a way to cope with the isolation and uncertainty of the times. Painting has become a form of therapy for me, and I am excited to share my work with the world.
My works are a reflection of my own emotions and life path, allowing me to convey my most profound feelings. It is my mission to create a window to the world of mental health, opening up conversations about topics that may be uncomfortable to discuss. Through my paintings, I invite the viewer to accept their full range of emotions and themselves fully. I hope to create safe spaces for vulnerability where we can reflect on trauma, while at the same time, conveying connection and love to the viewer.
Through my art, I invite you to explore the complexities of your own experiences and emotions, and to find healing in the shared human experience.
My process starts with abstract, colourful backgrounds created through intuitive play, mainly using acrylic paint and spray paint. From there, portraits are overlaid using oil paint. Colour is used as a carrier of emotions and loose brushstrokes as a representation of movement and continuous change within the individual and as a collective.
Additionally, my podcast ‘Crumbling Walls’ is a reflection of my desire to spark discussions about mental health and create a safe space for people to share their experiences and find healing. I am committed to creating and fostering a community of inclusivity, support, and empowerment.
Selected exhibitions
'Burning Sisterhood', solo show - upcoming
The Island, Bristol (May-June 2024)
Bath Art Fair
Bath Pavilion, Bath (Feb 2024)
Precious Postcards, group show
That Art Gallery, Bristol (Dec 2023)
Circular ArtSpace, group show
Circular ArtSpace, Bristol (Dec 2023)
'Raquel Blazquez', solo show
Tobacco Factory, Bristol (Oct - Nov 2023)
Paint Factory, live street art and exhibition
Tobacco Factory, Bristol (June 2023 - June 2024)
'Flow', group show
El Malago, Bristol (April - June 2023)
People's Art Fair
People's Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol (April 2023)
'Stories from the past', solo show
No.1 Harbourside, Bristol (Dec 2022 - Jan 2023)
People's Art Fair
People's Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol (Dec 2022)
North Street Art Gallery
Bristol (Aug - Oct 2022)
New Artist Art Fair
The Truman Brewery, London (Sept 2022)
'Transitions', group show
Bocabar, Bristol (March 2022)