Pedro Troncoso

Pedro Troncoso, despite early exposure to art during his childhood, initially pursued studies in aviation, adhering to what might be considered a stereotypical career path. However, this trajectory led to a gradual erosion of his innate qualities of honesty, intuition, and spontaneity. Upon relocating to the United States and departing from the aviation field, Troncoso's artistic exploration began to probe themes surrounding cultural roles, stereotypes, and the complexities of identity. His work delves into a realm where fantasy converges with realism, examining the residual aspects of humanity amidst societal pressures to conform and adapt.

Primarily drawing inspiration from childhood recollections, Troncoso's narratives unfold within oil and acrylic paintings, often featuring self-portraits or imagined alter egos. These compositions frequently inhabit dimly lit, intimate interiors, serving as metaphorical spaces where individuals grapple with external societal anxieties related to acceptance, gender, ethnicity, and self-perception. Through the spontaneous juxtaposition of contradictory elements, Troncoso underscores the distortion of identity in the face of social norms, prompting contemplation on the authenticity of one's true self amidst external expectations. His work challenges the notion of conformity, prompting viewers to ponder the essence of personal authenticity in a world where societal standards often dictate the masks we wear.

Collect Bean: What does growth mean to you?

Pedro Troncoso: Growth is individual. It represents the understanding of our challenges in order to overcome them. It is the journey to identify our types of problems and their solutions. It is the gap between the question and the answer. Growth is not always linear or ascended, but it is still necessary to continue fulfilling our unique purposes.

Collect Bean: If you had to describe your work in only three words, what would they be?

Pedro Troncoso: Silent, vivid, imaginary, contradictory.

Collect Bean: What is the kindest thing someone can tell you about your work?

Pedro Troncoso: Getting goosebumps twice: one from standing in front of my painting, and the second one by realizing that her feelings were specifically matching the message of the work.

Collect Bean: Do you have a saying that you live by?

Pedro Troncoso: “If it is up to be, it is up to me.”