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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 (July 2024)
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Bath Art Fair
Bath Pavilion, Bath (Feb 2024)
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Precious Postcards, group show
That Art Gallery, Bristol (Dec 2023)
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Circular ArtSpace, group show
Circular ArtSpace, Bristol (Dec 2023)
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'Raquel Blazquez', solo show
Tobacco Factory, Bristol (Oct - Nov 2023)
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Paint Factory, live street art and exhibition
Tobacco Factory, Bristol (June 2023 - June 2024)
'Flow', group show
El Malago, Bristol (April - June 2023)
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People's Art Fair
People's Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol (April 2023)
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'Stories from the past', solo show
No.1 Harbourside, Bristol (Dec 2022 - Jan 2023)
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People's Art Fair
People's Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol (Dec 2022)
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North Street Art Gallery
Bristol (Aug - Oct 2022)
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New Artist Art Fair
The Truman Brewery, London (Sept 2022)
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'Transitions', group show
Bocabar, Bristol (March 2022)