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magical realism of his heritage, his work transcends cultural borders to explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation. As he reflects on his milestone 10th anniversary in 2024, Juan Sebastian shows no signs of slowing down. With an upcoming book slated for release in late 2025 and his ongoing commitment to Galería Subtítulo’s artist residency in Colombia, he continues to shape both his practice and the next generation of Latin American artists. A Theater of the Soul For Juan Sebastian, photography is not just a medium—it’s a performance. “I see every image as a stage, a fleeting moment where fantasy and reality collide,” he explains. His background in theater informs the careful choreography of his photographs, where veils act as more than props. They’re transformative symbols. “In my work, the veil serves as a bridge,” he shares. “It transforms the body into something eternal, something untouchable. It’s both a shield and a revelation, inviting viewers to question what they see and, more importantly, what they assume.” These veiled figures, stripped of individual markers, speak to a universal human experience. “By removing gender, age, and race, the figures become mirrors. They challenge us to confront our subconscious biases while also allowing us to project our own stories onto them,” he adds. From Colombia to the World Born in Bogotá, Juan Sebastian grew up surrounded by the rich iconography of Catholicism, which left an indelible mark on his visual language. “Even though I don’t identify as Catholic, the images of saints, veils, and rituals are part of my earliest visual vocabulary,” he says. His ongoing involvement with Galería Subtítulo, an artist residency program in Colombia, reflects his commitment to nurturing new talent. “I see it as a way of giving back,” he notes. “Colombia’s creative community is brimming with potential, and providing a space for experimentation and dialogue is essential to sustaining that energy.” The residency, located in the countryside outside Bogotá, offers artists a sanctuary to explore their practices in depth. For Juan Sebastian, mentoring younger artists has been as transformative as his own creative journey. “I learn just as much from them as they do from me. It’s a constant exchange of ideas and perspectives,” he says. A Decade of Transformation Marking his 10th anniversary as an artist in 2024, Juan Sebastian is preparing for another major milestone: the release of his first book in late 2025. This comprehensive look at his career will feature essays by prominent art historians Rita Astrid Rodriguez and Rosa JH Berland, delving into the themes and evolution of his work. “This book is a celebration of where I’ve been and a stepping stone to where I want to go,” he says. “It’s not just about documenting my work but also creating a dialogue about the intersections of identity, time, and space.” The book’s inclusion of scholarly essays reflects his commitment to placing his work within broader cultural and historical contexts. “I want people to see how the personal becomes universal in art. How a single image can carry echoes of collective memory,” he shares. Looking Ahead As Juan Sebastian looks to the future, he remains deeply connected to his roots while continuing to push the boundaries of his practice. “Art is a living thing,” he muses. “It evolves with you, revealing new layers of meaning over time.” For now, he’s focused on the next chapter: the launch of his book, new photographic series, and continued work with Galería Subtítulo. Through it all, his commitment to creating art that resonates on a universal level remains steadfast. “In the end, I want my work to be a space where people feel seen,” he says. “Where they can find fragments of themselves, even in the most unexpected places.” Contacts Website: www.juansebastian.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/juansebastianf Email: juan@juansebastian.com Image courtesy of the artist