Adela Angulo Portugal was born in Madrid in 1999, is a Spanish artist who graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Castilla La Mancha in Cuenca. Her artistic practice centres on painting, where she investigates the boundaries of the medium and the language that surrounds it. By questioning and rethinking the historical weight of painting, Angulo Portugal seeks fresh perspectives on established norms. Her work delves into the dialogue between subjects, examining their roles, positions, and temporality, reflecting her approach to both studio practice and broader life experiences. Through sensitivity and affection, she aims to uncover the subtle truths inherent in both art and existence.
- Your work delves into the limits of painting and its associated language. Could you elaborate on how you approach redefining these boundaries in your practice?
I am fascinated by limits in general. In painting, there are inherent boundaries because to define something often means to impose limits on it. I view these limits as reference points, both within and beyond the canvas. I’m particularly interested in how the pictorial image is shaped by these boundaries—whether they are imposed by the physical support of the canvas or created intentionally with the painting material. Redefining these limits isn’t easy, but it’s always possible to engage with them, question them, and play with their possibilities.
- You mention seeking the “most tender truths” in both painting and life through sensitivity and affection. How do these elements manifest in your creative process and finished works?
The studio is a microcosm of life, echoing the simplicity and essence of our daily actions and thoughts. The final painting, for me, is just an excuse to engage in this process. Manual work, with its direct interaction with materials, involves attention, care, delicacy, patience, and timing. When you let paint dry, there’s a period of waiting. When something doesn’t work, you reflect on why and explore solutions. Lifting a large painting is physically demanding—it’s an effort that connects you to the work. When I feel overwhelmed by a painting, I set it aside, move to another piece, or take a break. This ongoing dialogue with the pieces transforms them into sensitive, living bodies that relate to one another and to me.
- Having graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Castilla La Mancha in Cuenca, how has your academic experience influenced your artistic development and exploration?
I found my way to the university unexpectedly and was fortunate to study there. Having my own workspace allowed me to focus on developing my practice and deepening my research into painting. I learned immensely from my peers and the collaborative synergies we created. The environment of Cuenca also played a significant role, especially my frequent visits to the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, where I could study works by artists who inspire me.
- You’re interested in the dialogue between subjects, their roles, and their temporality. How do you convey these interactions within your paintings?
In relation to my earlier comments about dialogue with materials and the creative process, I see these interactions as a starting point or theme rather than something I aim to overtly convey. In some way, I tell stories, but I don’t impose them. My approach is more about having a silent conversation with the paint. Often, the smallest details carry the most weight, even if they’re not always immediately visible.
- In your work, you aim to question and rethink the historical burden of painting. What methodologies or perspectives do you employ to challenge traditional conceptions within the art form?
This ties back to the limits of painting. I continuously question what painting is and isn’t, and how far its boundaries can stretch. Many of my works are created with pictorial materials, but I intentionally avoid using a brush. This shift in perspective allows me to explore new possibilities. While traditional methodologies have been built on strong foundations, they may now feel outdated. Painting, for me, is a timeless practice—it evolves alongside us as individuals and as a society. As a result, the conception of contemporary painting must adapt to reflect these changes.
In her exploration of painting, Adela Angulo Portugal embraces limits not as restrictions but as opportunities for discovery and reinvention. Her work reflects a profound dialogue between material, process, and emotion, revealing the intimate connections between art and life. By questioning historical frameworks and engaging with the essence of contemporary painting, she crafts sensitive, dynamic pieces that challenge traditional definitions while remaining deeply personal. Through her practice, Adela invites us to consider not only the evolving boundaries of art but also the tender truths that reside in the quiet, unseen moments of creation.