The tropical rainforests and endless wilderness of the Colombian countryside, has inspired Rafael Lago since he was a child. Riding on his horse through the dense jungles, visiting picturesque towns enclaved in the mountains, or galloping alongside the infinite rivers, drew him to express through his art, the fascination of his experiences.

After studying fine art in California, USA, he focused for many years as a mural artist, working with renowned decorators from South America, for diverse projects, that finally took him to Barcelona, to collaborate with the institute Bea Urruella, on classical mural techniques.

Later he became a stage designer and producer for theater, ballet and opera. Always having a natural flair for large scale ventures. He then went to initiate a company that would create, design and produce themed solutions for amusement parks, shopping malls and businesses in several countries.

All the while, he kept painting, for this is where his essence lies. Commissions and several exhibitions led him to decide to concentrate fully on his passion.

Horses. They are now his main focus, Colombia being mostly rancher and agricultural, it is part of his nature, his fascination with their vitality and sensitivity, their strength and beauty, how they serve us but are in essence, the symbol of freedom.

Many of Rafael's paintings are a mixture strong under drawing on charcoal or pastel, that he then layers with translucent chiaroscuro veneers, topping with more opaque paint, usually acrylic or natural pigments mixed with resin. Some are a more classic approach, layering carefully, over a base drawing.

What they all achieve, is a dynamic expression, that engulfs the viewer, into the artists unique vision of the world.

EDUCATION

1991 Academy of Art College- San Francisco- Californ

Bachelor of fine arts- paintings

1998 Institute Bea Urruela Catalunia – Barcelona – Spain

Classic Mural Techniques

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS:

1996 Proartes - Cali- Colombia

1998 Comfandi Cultural Center – Cali – Colombia

2000 Galeria Rembrandt- Bogota- Colombia

2004 Galeria Arte Moderno- Cali – Colombia

2007 Galeria Camara de Comercio Cali- Colombia

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

1999 Proartes- Cali- Colombia

2002 Galeria Sociedad de Artistas – Madrid – Spain

2006 La Caixa Galeria – Barcelona – Spain

2010 Centro Cultural FES- Cali- Colombia

2020 Centro Cultural Caja Real- San Luis Potosi- Mexico

2020 Sotheby’s institute of Art – “Art saves humanity” virtual exhibition

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

1999 Galeria Club Campestre de Cali- Colombia

2004 Galeria Camara de Comercio Cali- Colombia

2010 Castell D’en Plaja– Girona- Spain

2012 National Library Gallery Cali- Colombia

2019 Coleccion Grupo Trussot- Guadalajara- Mexico