Dear Friend,

I welcome you to my online haven where art becomes a soothing balm for the soul, celebrating the greatness of life! I am Hernan Illescas, an Ecuadorian artist based in Cuenca, Ecuador. As you dive into my artistic universe, allow me to share with you the journey that has shaped my life—a journey woven with passion, perseverance, and the quest for a deeper purpose.

I spent my childhood in the peaceful town of Sigsig, immersed in an archaeological and natural reserve of the Andean region. Later, as I grew up in Cuenca, a city with a strong cultural identity and remarkable artistic tradition, my father, endowed with keen perception, noticed a natural connection with art in me. On a vacation day, his urgent call led me back to the city. As we headed to the University of Cuenca, home to the Academy of Fine Arts, he guided me, unveiling how I could unleash my creativity and explore the vast power of visual expression. Very excited to hear it, it became clear that my destiny was not in exact sciences or engineering but marked by colors and brushes.

It wasn't until my freshman year of college that I had the privilege of meeting various artists at their peak. This encounter opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in art. Balancing the dream of creating art with the responsibilities of providing for my family, I simultaneously took on the role of a teacher. Although, I gained invaluable knowledge about cognitive and emotional development and honed my ability to perceive life more deeply, I felt a void in my life—a longing to leave my artistic mark and create my own gallery as a space for exhibiting Contemporary Art.

Persisting in my artistic studio, despite awards and honors, I harbored doubts and frustrations. It was during these years, immersed in daily routine, that I came to a profound realization: to turn my life and career around, I needed to take control and embark on a significant change. I understood that continuing with the same actions would only lead to similar results. This understanding marked a turning point in my trajectory.

I decided to gradually leave teaching to dedicate more time to my artistic work and become a creative entrepreneur. This change meant sacrificing weekends, family vacations, and social life, but my determination was unyielding. During this transformative process, I actively sought mentors and connected with fellow artists striving to advance in the art world. This support network became a crucial element for my development and growth as an artist. Each step on this new path reaffirmed my commitment and provided a fresh perspective on my creativity.

Over time, my art acquired a distinctive style, influenced by Mexican muralism, European expressionism, and the forms and colors of Andean indigenous culture. My style departed from the traditional conventions of isms, schools, and artistic trends. This period marked the opening of the Hernan Illescas Contemporary Gallery. In the same decade, I published the book "Transitions" to commemorate my 25 years of artistic career and had the privilege of collaborating with some of today's most accomplished artists.

In over four decades in art, I discovered that success arises by turning ordinary situations into unique opportunities. The most accomplished artists are those who know how to seize opportunities that others might not recognize. I firmly learned that a successful life in art involves understanding our true passions, rather than succumbing to external expectations.

My studio practice, curatorial work, gallery involvement, role as a cultural actor, and education coexist as I have experienced and embraced art as an integral part of my lifestyle. Currently, my focus is to contribute to the world through artworks that explore the memory of peoples, addressing broad topics such as Environment and Sustainability, Changes and Challenges, History and Traditions, Culture and Art, Religion and Spirituality. Here, I assist audiences in connecting with their spiritual consciousness and becoming sensitized to what challenges their individual journey.

The essence of my lifelong quest has been to unravel the intricate connections between our earthly existence and our realms of dreams and desires. In each artwork, I seek to capture the essence of this interconnection, weaving a narrative that transcends time, delving into the deepest and most spiritual layers of the human experience. If these reflections resonate with your own journey, you likely establish a meaningful connection with my art.

I warmly invite you to explore the links on my website and immerse yourself in my artistic universe. Would you consider becoming one of my appreciated art collectors? Let's go the misconception that art is exclusively reserved for the wealthy—art is a gift accessible to everyone. If you are captivated to learn more about my work and the possibility of becoming a collector, I encourage you to enroll in my VIP List, where you will receive valuable information. Embracing art in your life is one of the most enlightening and culturally enriching gifts we can offer to humanity. I hope you’ll join me on this journey and become a valuable and significant part of the creative and artistic expression.

With the warmest sincerity,

Hernan Illescas, Master of Arts