Miguel Barros is an artist whose work bridges technical precision and emotional depth, compelling viewers to reflect on humanity’s impact on the environment. Born in Lisbon in 1962, Barros carries a multicultural perspective shaped by his experiences living in Portugal, Canada, and Angola. His background in architecture and design, earned at IADE Lisbon in 1984, influences his artistic approach, blending structure with fluid imagination. In 2014, his move to Calgary, Alberta, marked a new chapter in his creative journey, leading him to explore themes of ecological concern, particularly ocean pollution. His painting Plastic Oceans exemplifies his commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues. Through vibrant colors and abstract compositions, Barros conveys powerful messages that transcend traditional representation, drawing viewers into his vision of interconnectedness and responsibility. In this interview, he discusses his creative process, personal inspirations, and the role of artistic freedom in shaping his work.
Here is the artist’s interview.
1-What is your creative process like?
I’ve always strived to avoid merely mirroring reality, instead choosing to explore my “inner world.” This journey reveals its true colors and offers profound insights into both my life and the world around me.
My work, my paintings, serve as a powerful expression of my connection to art. They emerge from deep within my soul, like letters to the observer, carrying messages brimming with emotion and intention. These messages take shape through vibrant colors and abstract forms, offering a glimpse into the essence of my creative process.
I believe that mastery of technique and an understanding of how various elements interact are essential for the development of any painting or project. If I have an idea but lack the technical knowledge to bring it to life, it can be frustrating. That frustration drives me to continuously learn until I can control the necessary techniques and make my vision a reality.
For me, knowledge and information are the keys to overcoming obstacles, solving conflicts, and achieving harmony in both my art and my life.
2-Do any personal experiences shape your work?
Absolutely! I’d love to share a bit about my own experience.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a deep, almost indescribable connection to colors. It’s difficult to explain in words, but I can say that colors have a profound effect on my inner world. They give me strength and a strong desire to use them, allowing me to let go and go with the flow. In those moments, I feel free, happy, and everything in life seems simpler and more effortless.
As a child, I struggled with conventional subjects at school—it was incredibly difficult for me. But I survived that long, challenging period by finding solace in colors. They became my escape, saving me from feeling out of place in the rigid school system.
Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I became an artist, a painter.
3-What challenges do you face as an artist?
I know that every choice comes with a price, but I don’t mind—that’s simply how I choose to live my life. I refuse to feel limited or stuck in my journey as a free painter.
Of course, the market is important; it sustains my work and allows me to support myself. However, I’m not at all concerned with fame, wealth, or becoming someone I’m not. I live completely freely through my art, working tirelessly with galleries around the world that showcase my paintings, all while maintaining my own sense of independence and creative freedom.
4-What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
When engaging with my art, I invite others to approach it with an open spirit. It’s nearly impossible to resist the warmth and pleasure that radiate from the paintings, inviting the viewer to experience something deeply personal and profound.
I find immense joy when people discuss what they see in my work. I always learn so much from their perspectives. It’s fascinating to see how viewers can connect with the composition, projecting their own thoughts and experiences onto it. They often reveal new insights I hadn’t noticed before—like a shape, a color, or a subtle trace—things that become meaningful to them in ways I hadn’t imagined.
What’s truly remarkable is how these small details resonate so deeply with others. Every time someone shares their personal interpretation of my work, I feel a renewed sense of life and hope. It’s a beautiful reminder of how art can bring people together and spark conversations about life.
Art has the power to shift perspectives and transform mindsets. It takes courage to raise questions about the essence of who we are and to inspire reflection on the greater meaning of life. Whether it’s through a painting, sculpture, poem, or any form of expression, art allows us to share our deepest feelings and experiences, creating a universal connection that transcends boundaries.
Miguel Barros’ art is more than visual expression—it is an invitation to engage, interpret, and reflect on the world around us. His deep connection to color, personal experiences, and unwavering dedication to creative independence allow him to craft paintings that evoke emotion and inspire dialogue. While the art market plays a role in sustaining his practice, Barros remains committed to his artistic truth, unconcerned with trends or commercial pressures. His work speaks to the importance of perspective, reminding us that art has the power to connect, transform, and challenge the way we see ourselves and our environment.
