Bio
In her practice, Raquel Lopes (b.1996) explores the space between reality and dream worlds, memory, fluid non-existent realms, and the effects of light on water, capturing nature primarily through landscape, portraiture and abstract works. She works in a variety of mediums, acrylics, oils, watercolour, and digital practices, such as 3D modeling and digital painting. Based in Toronto, she graduated in 2023 from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing & Painting. Raquel has collaborated with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) to design their Hands-On Education Costume Room and to develop her teaching skills. She has received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, regularly accepts commissioned work, and is passionate about fostering creativity and accessibility in the arts. Inspired by her love of learning and working with children, she aspires to one day create inclusive educational experiences that help empower people through art.
Artist Statement
Raquel's work plays with the fluidity of dream worlds, created spaces that articulate stillness in time while merging and manipulating real images as well as visuals derived from mind, and memory, consistently exploring these themes in what she creates. By being selective of her colour palette, creating landscapes in unreal worlds, she aims to create playful carefree spaces that more often draw out a feeling of calm. Mainly working with oils, acrylics, and watercolour but not limited to these mediums, she explores digital realms with 3D modeling, animation and more. Raquel creates with the intention of helping others feel something meaningful through her work, most often a sense of calm or peace.