Chaval
Chaval (Damian Octavio Kaliyeski) was born in 1975 in Buenos Aires. In his early art career drew comics with an apocalyptic sense of humor wile studying fine art painting. In search of a new media of artistic creation, he started to paint on vinyl surfaces such as cushions and punching bags, which has become an important body of his work. Since moved to New York in 1999, he has developed a series of works embodying his signature characters PIPU the Mutant butterfly, and PEPO the mutant walking pet. In April 2003, his work received Artist Achievement Award given by Charlotta Kotik, Curator and Chair of Department of Contemporary Art of Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Chaval's work is characterized by free-spirited humor. He produced mostly comics in his early career, and after studying fine art and painting further, continued to illustrate comedy. Caricatures, objects and people with surreal elements are the cornerstone of his inspiration. He became well known for his works painted on vinyl surfaces such as cushions and punching bags.
Inasmuch as Chaval can be defined by one particular movement or concept, he has simultaneously created a genre of his own. He uses mixed techniques and philosophies in a succession of images, lacing them with his apocalyptic sense of humor. Chaval's individuality stems from his ability to break down the present complexity from a point of view that is sublime yet horrifying- an uncanny world inhabited by pleasure as much as pain.
Chaval's work expresses the static limitations of painting, both aesthetically and conceptually. His works convey powerful emotions, yet also maintain tranquility. His works draws inspiration from our every day lives: our minds' reactions to diverse stimuli and everyday situations. He uses popular western symbols, along with the cacophony of consumerism to deliver what he calls "beauty."
