Vitaly Lopez Recio
- Anna Lilli Garai
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Vitaly Lopez Recio starts with whatever sticks — a photo, a feeling, something from a dream. Old family pictures often spark the work, but things shift along the way. Sketches show up, symbols slip in, and the image turns into something else. A piece of fruit, a shadow, a bit of light might end up standing for her. She’s based in New York now, but the Caribbean is always present. Music plays a big role too — not just as background, but as part of how the work takes shape. Painting, for her, is a way to stay connected — to home, to people, to what matters.
Q: Your paintings draw from family photos. What makes an image feel ready to work from?
A: Well, I’m always sketching or taking photos of things I might use later. Most of the time, it's a combination of both. My paintings can be inspired by photos, but I love adding elements from sketches or even ideas that come from dreams — anything that helps me develop a concept.
It’s funny, but I really relate to that feeling of always looking for something — how I can combine this with that, or looking at a place and asking myself, how does my idea fit here?
From a technical point of view, a photo with good lighting, interesting shapes, or a beautiful color palette feels ready to work from.
Q: You often place yourself inside the scenes. How do you decide where you fit?
A: Sometimes elements represent me — that’s how I include myself in my composition. By elements, I mean trees, the sun, animals, fruits, or anything I feel connected to at that moment. Deciding where I fit depends on the piece. It might not be direct or obvious; sometimes it's hidden or subtle.
Q: In works like the one of your abuela, imagination blends with memory. What does that shift let you say?
A: Imagination plays a big part in my creative process. I love letting my ideas flow and trying to make sense of them in different scenes.
I really enjoy the process of figuring things out, trying, experimenting, and trying again. Working from my memory is not always planned — it depends on what the piece is telling me.
Q: There’s a strong sense of warmth and distance. How do you hold onto home while painting far from it?
A: Interesting question, because I carry where I’m from with me. I am the bachata I listen to. I’m the warm hug when I see someone I love so much. I’m the arroz con pollo con habichuela, and so much more. I believe we paint who we are.
Let’s just say I may be far physically, but I stay close to my family and culture spiritually.
Q: You’ve said home is an anchor. What does that look like in your day-to-day process?
A: Music, phone calls with family, or memories are some of the things that come to mind when I think about home as an anchor. But music especially is a big inspiration for me. It’s when I feel most connected to my roots and my family. I listen to music every day.
After listening to an album or one of my favorite artists, I often get ideas or concepts that I later develop in my work.
Q: Whether it’s paint or books, your work moves between forms. What ties it all together for you?
A: What ties it all together for me is connection. I’m always looking to connect with at least one person. Art is a way we can share our reality without going anywhere. It’s a connection that goes beyond conversation. It speaks directly to your soul, and connecting with the right person through art can truly change a life.
