After studying graphic design in his home of Uruguay, artist Santiago Paulós wanted a programme that would articulate his ideas and contextualise his work – this attracted him to study the MFA in Contemporary Art Practice here at ECA. Since graduating, Santiago has had a solo show at the Suede Gallery in Edinburgh (an artist-led gallery space founded by two MFA alumni of ECA) and has gone on to participate in two international art fairs with the artist-run gallery ‘La Pecera’. 

Please tell us about your work

During the last three years, I have been thinking about painting as an entry or exit point, a place where I can ask the viewer what and where the boundaries of the space, in which we live, are. Similar to a film director, I like to think that I am constructing a reality or a world that may exist.

Who/what inspires you?

Artists inspire me. After my MFA I realised the value of the ECA community and the dialogue and discussions around art. Even though I love the solitude of the studio, I also like to have my friends and colleagues around.

How important was the period you spent at ECA? 

The MFA had a big impact on me. My BA in Uruguay was in graphic design and during that time I took some painting lessons in a private studio in South America. In one way it had a kind of French art academy structure. However, on the other hand, it created conversations around material and process. The MFA at ECA, which I think was more of a conceptual postmodern programme, helped me to articulate my ideas and to contextualize my work. Being able to question accepted notions of artistic production during seminars helped me to understand more about my own practise.

How did it feel to be an international student at a Scottish university?

It was great but challenging, as it was a different language (I’m a native Spanish speaker) and also a completely different educational system. I enjoyed having classmates from different parts of the world - everyone was very friendly and open-minded.

How did you benefit from being in Edinburgh?

I think Edinburgh is a perfect size. It has a human scale and nature is present everywhere. As the art scene is small, it means you can meet everyone. Being in London, I now realise that a smaller city like Edinburgh with its slower pace was a great place to focus on my practice.

Which recent exhibition are you most proud of?

Last December I showcased at PINTA Miami during the Art Basel week. I went there with an artist-run gallery from Uruguay. It was a new kind of exhibition space for me: instead of a gallery space, my work was displayed in a booth within the art fair. The chance to see my work in a commercial context was a very interesting experience.

What's your next project?

I’m developing some of the ideas that have been around in my head since my last show. I’m thinking about how to create an image that could be personal and impersonal at the same time. Last year I was doing landscapes, and I realized that it was quite interesting just to use colour as a reference. The sky would be blue, the land would be green, and so on…  like creating idealised landscapes.