We recently had the chance to connect with Artis Alfonso Villagran and have shared our conversation below.
Alfonso, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My new style of paintings are making me different and proud.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Born on November 26, 1982, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Alfonso Villagrán grew up in an environment where creativity and craftsmanship intertwined. His father, a skilled plastic surgeon, approached his work with the precision and artistry of a sculptor, while his mother, a devoted painter, nurtured his love for artistic expression. From an early age, art was not just something Villagrán admired—it became a natural extension of his being.
At fourteen, he discovered painting as a way to channel his emotions and give form to his thoughts. While attending The British School, his passion deepened, leading him to formal training at the Peter Hammers Academy of Art and Design. Unlike many, Villagrán had the unwavering support of his family in pursuing an artistic career, a privilege he never took for granted.
For him, art is not merely a way of living—it has been a means of understanding life itself. The sudden loss of his father became a defining moment, shifting his perspective on time, memory, and impermanence. Through painting, he found a way to navigate grief, to explore the fleeting nature of existence, and to capture emotions before they fade into the past.
His work is deeply rooted in themes of desire, fragility, and human connection. He sees painting as both an act of creation and preservation—an attempt to hold onto what is slipping away. Oil on canvas, his preferred medium, allows him to layer textures and emotions, building images that feel raw, visceral, and intensely personal.
Throughout the years, Villagrán has fought tirelessly for his art, pouring emotion and effort into every piece. Each brushstroke is a testament to his journey—one of resilience, introspection, and an unrelenting passion for capturing the essence of life itself. His work invites the viewer to pause, to feel, and to reflect on the beauty and transience of the human experience.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother, she just helped me with everything always supporting at my carrier i always say to the ones that begins art, feeling the support of others is a great feeling of power.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes of course! Its that moment were anything works out u feel that u no good for it! But a huge % is your mind, when u feel that your world comes down, theres a magical moment that hugs you and gives u an extra battery of belief.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Most of the time, there are connections between the high society, galleries, collectors, deals, sales, etc…. I think 60% is all about connections, arrangements, favors, marketing…..and i can keep on saying but theres still that 40% that people in the art business keep it true by them selfs. Appreciate nice talent, feelings and creativity.
We have to keep on going beside some things, nothing better than believing in yourself, its called selfcare.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Stop using my phone, and would do all the trecking places pf the world, with my painting equipment and be with my whole family.
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