Oscar Murillo, a Colombian-born, London-based artist, has become one of the most prominent voices in contemporary art. Through his interdisciplinary approach, which spans painting, installation, video, and performance, Murillo explores themes of migration, labor, identity, and globalization. His art reflects the dynamism and tensions of a world in flux, offering both deeply personal and universally resonant narratives.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1986 in La Paila, Colombia, Murillo immigrated to London with his family at the age of 10. His early experiences of cultural dislocation and adaptation profoundly shaped his artistic outlook. His parents worked in manual labor, and the realities of socioeconomic struggle became recurring themes in his work.
Murillo pursued art at the University of Westminster and later earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Royal College of Art. During this period, he began experimenting with different media, developing a style that combined bold gestural painting with elements of performance and social engagement.
Artistic Style and Approach
Murillo’s work is known for its raw energy and layered complexity. His large-scale canvases often feature bold brushstrokes, scribbled text, and found materials such as fabric and detritus from his studio. These elements convey a sense of urgency and improvisation, reflecting both personal memories and global cultural narratives.
Beyond painting, Murillo incorporates performance, video, and installation into his practice. He often engages directly with communities, emphasizing art’s capacity to create dialogue and foster understanding.
Key Themes in Murillo’s Work
Labor and Globalization
Murillo’s work frequently addresses the intersections of labor and globalization. He draws inspiration from his own upbringing and the broader dynamics of migration and economic inequality. His use of industrial materials and references to manual labor underscore the often-invisible forces that sustain global systems.
Cultural Dislocation and Identity
As an immigrant, Murillo grapples with themes of belonging and cultural hybridity. His works are infused with elements of his Colombian heritage, including fragments of Spanish text and references to traditional practices. These motifs coexist with markers of Western culture, reflecting the layered complexity of his identity.
Community and Collaboration
Murillo often engages communities in his projects, emphasizing collective participation. His Frequencies project, initiated in 2013, involved schoolchildren worldwide drawing on sheets of paper placed on their desks. The resulting works, marked by spontaneous doodles and notes, capture the universal yet deeply individual nature of human expression.
Notable Works and Projects
A Mercantile Novel (2014)
This immersive installation transformed David Zwirner’s New York gallery into a working factory where Colombian workers produced chocolate bars. The project highlighted the connections between global commerce, labor, and consumer culture while paying homage to Murillo’s hometown, known for its cacao production.
Frequencies (2013–ongoing)
In this participatory project, Murillo collaborated with schools in over 30 countries, inviting students to express themselves on large sheets of paper. The accumulated works reveal a tapestry of cultural, social, and personal identities, emphasizing the universal power of creativity.
Exodus (2022)
Murillo’s Exodus series tackled the global refugee crisis, featuring large, abstract canvases that evoke movement, fragmentation, and displacement. The works reflect the artist’s concern with migration and the human cost of political and economic instability.
Recognition and Awards
Murillo’s contributions to contemporary art have garnered international acclaim. He was shortlisted for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2019, sharing the award with his fellow nominees in a statement of solidarity and collaboration. His work has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, including:
- Tate Modern (London)
- MoMA (New York)
- Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (Colombia)
The Legacy of Oscar Murillo
Oscar Murillo’s art speaks to the interconnectedness of global cultures and the complexities of modern identity. Through his innovative use of materials and collaborative projects, he bridges the gap between personal experience and universal themes. His work challenges viewers to confront the inequalities and tensions of the contemporary world while celebrating resilience, creativity, and human connection.
As Murillo continues to push the boundaries of his practice, he remains a vital force in the art world, inspiring dialogue and fostering deeper understanding across cultural and geographical divides.
