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Carlos is an avid story-teller . Stories unfold in his work akin to dreams being recounted via realistic pictures and images on canvas , or boldly encased in bronze . His keen observations of people allow him to capture life ’ s nuances as they float whimsically by , memorializing it , as he sees it . Yet , his capture of a moment in time , is subtly engineered to hint that there is more to each piece than what is suggested at first glance . Double and triplemeanings are hidden beneath layers of paint , wax , resin , bronze ; truth is told in controversial or polite , diplomatic ways ; shapes and contours beg questions , expresses dismay , joy or hope . It is all there , if you look . But , what will you see ?
Since 1988 , Carlos has been earning a living as a photographer and oil painter , then sculptures followed six years ago . “ I believe in culture , not race and appreciate the differences that exist among humans as a result of their individual backgrounds . My sculptures are meant to reflect that , and to project positive images of black people , giving children their own black heroes and showing that blackness too can be expressed in an artistic manner ,” he said . Some of his pieces vividly expresses this while others depict the realities of life .
“ Man Without Papers ” tell the story of the immigrant , who carries his home with him wherever he goes , because he has no legal documents that will allow him to lay his house down , somewhere . . . anywhere . Another sculpture depicts a woman who walks around daily , seemingly with no direction or purpose , carried by feet that conspire to take her on aimless journeys , searching for clarity . Others show humans balancing personal circumstances along life ’ s varied pathways , just like they balance the load carried symbolically and literally on their heads .
Carlos has an international audience , and his pieces grace homes in many cities throughout the world , as far away from Curacao as in
Balancing Through Life , 100 x 150 cm . 2017 Oil on linen .
Yellowknife , Canada ; in European cities ; the US and elsewhere . His clients often want to live with his creations , some of which may be raw , unfiltered and at times controversial ,