By Marion Kronauge By Marion Kronauge | September 22, 2021 | Lifestyle,
South Florida artist Mateo Blanco brings the Queen of Pop to Palm Beach. On view at Gallery Biba, his vibrant pink masterpiece pays tribute to the vocal legend through his trademark use of edible mediums.
Mateo Blanco’s “Pink Desire”
You’re quite the multihyphenate! From your time as an opera singer to your work in the visual arts, what inspires you? When I was a child, I would always listen to the birds sing, admiring their freedom to fly and their talent to create nests. The sound of birds inspired me to sing, seeing them fly inspired freedom in my imagination, and their nests showed me what art was. … Being alive is beautiful, and I wish I could live a hundred years, but while I’m here, I want to sing, create art and let my imagination fly—just like birds.
‘Pink Desire,’ your Madonna tribute, is on display at Gallery Biba. What makes the Queen of Pop the ideal muse? Madonna knows how to reinvent herself. She never stops working or creating, and that’s really inspiring to me. … I want my work to be a force just like Madonna’s music has [been] for more than 40 years. I have so much admiration for the strong women who change history, and I enjoy honoring them in my art.
You often work with edible and more unconventional mediums. Take us inside your process. I first think about the message I want to portray to the public through my art. From there, I decide on the material based on the texture and color. … I’m always aiming to surprise my audience. No one knows what I’m doing next!
Which medium is the most thrilling to manipulate? All of my art is incredibly fun to make. I think working with food is the most thrilling because of how challenging it is. … The best part is not only does it look beautiful, but it tastes delicious too! The process is hard, but the outcome is so rewarding.
What impact do you hope your art will have? I hope my art inspires new generations of artists to create their own masterpieces. I want it to bring happiness and joy to everyone while connecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
Your showcase at Gallery Biba was extended in honor of your 40th birthday. What Palm Beach favorites will you frequent while in town? When I visit Palm beach, I’m always blown away by the culture. … I enjoy strolling around Worth Avenue and always have to visit the Norton Museum of Art and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
What’s on the horizon? My brain has been flowing with inspiration, and I have plans for many new pieces I can’t wait to get started on. There’s currently a documentary about my life and art in the works. Stay tuned for more! 224A Worth Ave., Palm Beach
Photography by: Courtesy of Mateo Blanco