“Tomás Salazar Suaza, the Young Talent of Colombia”

On this occasion, we talk with a young promise of Colombian art, a passionate painter who has captivated many with his talent and creativity. His name is Tomás Salazar Suaza, someone truly in love with art.

Color plays a fundamental role in Salazar's works, as he uses a vibrant palette to convey a wide range of emotions. Every brushstroke seems to tell a story, and each canvas is a window into his imagination. At a young age, he has already caught the attention of art critics and enthusiasts alike.

“I consider myself an artist in training, in love with art, especially painting, passionate about pictorial techniques such as oil and acrylic—a young person who takes refuge in his works, filled with millions of feelings, which I express on canvas with a single goal: to discover my being and identity. My journey began at a very early age; in my first years of school, I leaned toward painting and drawing.

I have made countless drawings and paintings for as long as I can remember, but I would say that my first work—where I completely gave myself over, expressing what I was experiencing at the time—was when I was fourteen years old, a piece titled: 'El Sueño' (The Dream). That work marked a turning point in my path; it was at that moment that I began asking myself, 'Who am I really?'

My first exhibition was when I was fourteen years old, alongside the Alas de Mariposa corporation, where a group exhibition titled 'Arte para ser feliz' (Art to Be Happy) was held to showcase the works created in the workshop—a beautiful experience.

In my works, I love using the palette knife, both in oil and acrylic; I feel it is an extension of my hand because of that volatility and fluidity in the stroke, creating rich texture.”

What do you enjoy most when creating a work of art? “The process, the study carried out for the piece, and the final result.”

Do you make any preliminary sketches? “Yes. Usually, I write first; I write down all those ideas and questions. And it’s at that moment where the idea for the piece begins to emerge, where I convert those words into sketches, both digital and physical. I use these sketches as a foundation to create the artwork, although many times I love the spontaneity of the stroke and of the work itself—things I would never have imagined end up appearing in the piece. Let's say that as I work, the piece speaks and reveals more and more forms.

I greatly admire the work of Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti, better known as Michelangelo; his work is heavenly, something indescribable.”

Where have your works traveled to? “I have had the good fortune of showing my work in several places around the world—my works have traveled more than I have! They have reached cities such as Miami, New York, Jesús María (Peru), Coatepeque (Guatemala), Medellín, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, Pereira, among others.”

Have you collaborated with any other artists? “I have done collaborations with my teachers, including a variety of murals alongside my teacher ‘GUILLO,’ where I have the opportunity to learn from their experience.”

What would you recommend to someone who wants to start in the art world? “To dare to experiment; it is through experimentation that you manage to stand out and create good work. I recommend enjoying art, whether painting or any of the seven arts, and most importantly, being happy.”