Raised in a long line of artists, Nuria was constantly surrounded by art – both physically, in and outside the house, and in late night conversations with her parents in their ateliers. Her sister and herself were steeped in the world of art from a young age. Even during summer vacations in Italy, the escape from the intense 48 degree heat was often found in old churches and museums, rather than the swimming pool. This was where her deep interest in art began to take root.
After completing high school, Nuria enrolled in the University of Amsterdam to pursue Cultural Studies. However, after just one month, she knew it wasn’t the right fit. She then attempted to study Psychology at the University of Tilburg, but once again, it didn’t feel right. To clear her mind, she traveled to Florence, Italy and took a two month language course. Surrounded by a plethora of paintings, churches, frescoes, and statues, she felt truly content, and it was in this moment that she decided to embark on a path studying her greatest passion in life: art.
In 2012, Nuria began her studies at the art academy in Maastricht with the intention of learning how to paint. However, she soon discovered her true calling in video art. Combining her own music with captivating video imagery, she found a new medium to express herself. The weather often served as an inspiration and even became the subject of her videos. In 2014, she graduated with a video installation telling the story of a love affair between summer and autumn. Just two months later, she returned to painting once again.
Initially, the paintings portrayed movie scene-like setups in a figurative manner. However, over time, the subjects evolved into more abstract representations. Despite this shift, the weather continued to hold a significant place in her artwork – she strived to capture the essence of a particular moment, a day in a season, a memory, or a specific type of lighting. The colors imbued the atmosphere while the interaction between the subjects crafted the scenario: beckoning, repelling, drifting, falling, soaring, or being swept off the canvas; mirroring the laws of nature and also capturing a more personal perspective – the interplay between individuals or one’s own state of mind.
Currently, Nuria resides in both Rotterdam and the countryside near Maastricht – her hometown and a place she frequents more often now. Living in the countryside invigorates her with positive energy. Moreover, engaging in late-night discussions in her studio is an experience she wouldn’t trade for anything.
“This is where you can smell the changing seasons, hear the rustle of leaves in the wind, and witness a unique type of illumination.
Ultimately, for me, the utmost goal is to express and transmit something from within, to the outside world; be it a reflection of what resides within oneself. It’s like capturing a moment that caught your eye, a moment that formed a universe of its own in that instant, and bringing it to life again. Just like a Camera Obscura, back and forth.
www.ftn-books.com has one Nuria Maria Item available.
