Portón Cerúleo
Oil on Arches Art paper • 76 × 57 cm
2024

In nature, the color blue is elusive as it lacks a naturally occurring compound for its hue. The majority of blues come from the use of the deep purple pigment known as anthocyanin. Remarkably, in the realm of fauna, the enigmatic Obrina Olivewind butterfly stands as the sole known creature capable of producing true blue, adding a touch of mystique. But it is the ethereal sky above and the boundless oceans that have long been associated with this color. Blue, being a primary color, has historically held great value, often commanding exorbitant prices due to its scarcity within the natural world.
During my journey through Cusco, Peru, I stumbled upon an extraordinary door that encapsulated my artistic sensibilities. The door's weathered wood, etched with intricate cracks, serves as the defining element within this painting, with a particular emphasis on its resplendent cerulean blue. This hue exudes a divine and tranquil aura, enveloping the viewer in a sense of soothing serenity. Each moment spent painting became a sacred ritual, an homage to the profound mysteries that lie beyond the door's threshold.
A door possesses the duality of both opportunity and confinement, acting as a transitional threshold between worlds in the realms of religion, mythology, and literature. Wooden doors stand as steadfast guardians of passageways, their presence dating back to ancient Egyptian architecture as early as 3000 B.C.E. Notably, false doors, decorative wall adornments resembling windows, were commonplace in tombs, symbolizing a gateway to the afterlife. It was within these ancient cultures that the first blue pigments were created, using treasured stones such as azurite and lapis lazuli, known as hsbd-iryt in the Egyptian language. The regality of blue extended beyond its earthly origins, ascending to encompass the celestial heavens and the flowing waters.
For me, a blue door holds significance as it assumes the role of a guardian, shielding enclosed spaces from the intrusion of malevolent spirits. It stands as an impregnable armor, ensuring a sanctuary free from negative influences. Metaphorically, a door serves as a portal, an entrance or an exit, granting passage to new beginnings, challenges, and opportunities. A closed door, conversely, may evoke a sense of confinement, a dead end with no visible escape. Through their architectural presence, doors evoke beauty and tranquility, unveiling the profound significance they hold within each cultural context.
Continually seeking to open doors and overcome obstacles, I navigate the path of my life in pursuit of my dreams.