In a world where creativity and innovation thrive, supporting rising painters and artists like Sofía Rivera is crucial for fostering cultural richness and diversity. These individuals, driven by passion and a profound connection to their craft, bring fresh perspectives and narratives that enrich our collective experience. Her journey from the runway to the canvas is a testament to the transformative power of art in shaping identities and inspiring change.
Come along on this journey as we explore Sofía’s artistic path, where you’ll uncover not just her inspiring vision and unwavering commitment, but also the profound influence art can wield on individual development and societal dialogue.
Sofía Rivera: Sensitive, Intelligent and Strong!
Describe Sofía Rivera in 3 words:
Sensitive, Intelligent and Strong.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your projects.
I am primarily a painter and model. Recently, I participated in the Miss Universe Panama beauty competition, something I never imagined being part of. My dream is for the world to know my paintings, and Miss Universe provides a significant platform for that.
I found out about the casting a few days before, thanks to a guy named Kennedy who does my facials. Despite my fear and lack of preparation, I attended. So far, it has been the most transformative experience, empowering all of us women participating.
I had my first solo exhibition, “Estado Liminal,” in the District of Fashion, Art, and Design, featuring 19 paintings that I worked on for nearly two years. The exhibition narrates a bit of my story, exploring Carl Jung’s shadow archetype and liminality, referring to a phase of transition in life. My dream is for my paintings to be in major museums like the Thyssen, British Museum, and Guggenheim. Besides painting, I am passionate about music, photography, and books.
Discover Sofía’s world in her paintings.
What inspires you most when creating your works, and how do you choose the themes you address in them?
I approach each work differently, resulting in various themes. However, recurring themes include nature, spirituality, the sea, love, interpersonal relationships, life, death, time, and music. I like to tell stories and create scenes, almost like a personal diary reflecting my experiences. I am inspired and motivated by nature: trees, water, ice, and earth. Meditation and the ability to be present also inspire me; it’s a state I always strive to reach.
Have you had experiences collaborating with other artists or collectives? If so, how has this influenced your work?
I have had the chance to meet and work with artists I admire greatly. Recently, I started a collaborative painting with Diego Vargas, which has been very fun, mixing styles and ideas. Additionally, one of my best friends and I are organizing a group exhibition with 20 national artists about Japanese mythology. It will be called “Kojiki” and will take place in the District of Fashion, Art, and Design. We’ve had to define a different Yokai for each artist and learn about various styles and techniques due to the diverse mediums we all work with (digital, paper art, traditional, animation).
What techniques and materials do you prefer to use in your work, and why?
I love the feel of traditional painting, especially using brushes and fine-detail brushes (triple 000 brushes are my favorite for very small details). I also enjoy playing with acrylic spray and airbrushes, which always make me feel like a child.
Do you consider that the context you live in and multifaceted experiences outside the plastic arts field influence what you present in your works?
Definitely.
At the beginning, I was forced to create with limited materials, making the most of what I had. Having only a bit of each color led me to find a unique style. Facing certain difficulties made me daydream a lot, which is reflected in my art. Having a loaded train of thought made me disconnect a bit from my surroundings, filling my paintings with many elements. Now, with the Miss Universe competition, I’ve been studying a lot about Panama and am painting a collection about the country’s culture. If it weren’t for this experience outside the plastic arts, my paintings wouldn’t have taken this direction.
