Pilar Rodríguez Malley

New York based artist working in pastels and acrylics to offer a window into Colombian culture, presenting heartfelt depictions of her 'home’.

For over three decades, my art has connected my past in Colombia with my present in New York. Through pastels, charcoal, pencils, and acrylics, I aim to capture Colombia while confronting and reshaping its perceptions. My paintings are more than visual representations; they are conversations with my memories and experiences.

The coffee beans I paint are not just commodities – they symbolize Colombia's rich culture and heritage. The scapes of Bogotá are not mere backdrops – they are the canvas of my childhood. The portraits of my family and inspirations, like my father, are not just likenesses – they are tributes to the ties that bind me to my roots.

When I paint, I share views that I find interesting, relevant, or simply beautiful. I open conversations about nature's strength, our folklore through dancers, and peaceful sceneries. My work is flexible, inviting viewers to relate to their experiences and connect with their inner selves to create interpretations of what they see.

The meaning of my work takes shape when I choose a subject—whether it's an eloquent figure, a landscape, a colorful fruit arrangement, or a portrait. Each holds value and speaks to me with powerful lessons and providing inspiration. I enjoy empowering my subjects through color, bold strokes, accentuating curves and lines, and playing with light and shadow to define figures.

Upcoming Exhibition:

Pilar Rodríguez Malley at Framebridge

In my upcoming exhibition at Framebridge in Bronxville this November, I have the opportunity to showcase a journey—a retrospective of my life's work juxtaposed with new pieces inspired from my latest trips to Bogotá and the Colombian coast. By integrating Framebridge's travel frame line, I emphasize the idea of art as a journey. Through my work, I invite viewers to see Colombia through my eyes, to experience its beauty and complexity, and to understand the deep connection I hold with where I'm from, despite the miles that often separate us.

Opening Reception: November 14, 2024

Framebridge Bronxville

85 Pondfield Rd Suite 103, Bronxville, NY 10708