Tea Time & Tropical Heat
The Work of Marcela Paz Chacón
A Commitment to Dignity, Gratitude & Grace by Dr. Barbara Aust-Wegemund

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When the canvas is filled with different shades of green, capturing the diverse leaves of lotus and Lillie flowers, the greenery looks dense and layered, creating a sense of depth and wildness you are discovering the world of Marcela Paz Chacón.

Marcela Paz Chacón is a visual artist born in Santiago de Chile, who spent the last years in Germany and Thailand. Currently, she is moving from Bangkok to Lima in Peru. In contrast to her global travel activities, she enjoys the slow passing of time in her artist studio.

In her paintings bright, exotic flowers are scattered throughout the landscape, Red Canna Lillies and flamingos with vivid colors stand out against the green background.

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This interplay of light and dark forms causes a dynamic quality to the painting, suggesting the gentle movement of leaves in the breeze. The Flamingo with bright plumage adds a lively touch, enhancing the sense of a thriving ecosystem.

The recent „Tropical Garden“ series was created during her stay in Thailand (2023/2024). The vibrantly colored plants and flowers from direct observation and atmospheric scenes allow viewers to escape everyday life.

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Book and Tea Cup: Celebrating the Sublime

Marcela Paz Chacón‘s paintings, among them „Green Chilli“, „Garden Deco“, „Marmelade“, „Book and Tea Cup“ demonstrate that the genre of still life can be a vehicle for faithfully representing not only objects but also the appearance of light and space, provoking sensations in small things. The artist consistently draws attention to the object itself, therefore the compositions are more than an imitation of life: the result is an exploration of seeing.

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This process allows Marcela Paz Chacón to experiment with composition, perspective, shadow, and light, as well as with the texture and coloration of individual objects, an arrangement of objects and fruits in oil on canvas, seemingly ready for immediate consumption.

The objects themselves are interesting but more exciting is their visual relationship, the spaces between them, and the light that played across the whole arrangement. „Book and Tea Cup“ and „Marmelade“ are created with broad, visible strokes in the chiaroscuro technique, the teacup seems realistic but where ends the table? The main objects, the teacup, the jade-colored book cover, and the small gooseneck vase create an intimate atmosphere of a 19th-century Salon du Thè.

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Alla Prima- Artist Statement

About her still life painting technique Marcela Paz Chacón explains: „all of them were painted “alla prima” a technique that I love to practice in small paintings, and that I also teach. In the USA, this movement “alla prima” is very recognized and has many enthousiasts. All the paintings you see were made in 4 hours, the idea of „alla prima“ is that it forces the artist to paint quick and no to attach himself to too many details, this is why the brushstrokes are free and vigorous, and you have to trust your eye and your instinct.“

Unique Style and Signature:

Changes between Realism and Symbolism

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The work of Marcela Paz Chacón is defined by her unique style that changes between realism and symbolism, the celebration of life and nature in everyday moments. Marcela Paz Chacón has created a powerful, evocative work that not only expresses her gratitude but also resonates with quiet moments of reflection - that remind us to appreciate the beauty and richness of life.

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Hamburg, June 2024
Author: Dr. Barbara Aust-Wegemund, Art Historian, Writer, Curator

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