Juan Sebastian’s work is a mesmerizing blend of theater, magical realism, and an exploration of the human condition. His photographs are not merely snapshots; they are poetic tableaux that capture the juxtaposition of the mundane and the fantastical. Drawing inspiration from literary giants like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, Sebastian creates an ephemeral world where reality and fiction coexist in a delicate balance.
Educated at the University of Miami, where he received both his undergraduate degree in Visual Journalism and Theatre and his Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Sebastian’s artistry is deeply rooted in a profound understanding of visual storytelling. His oeuvre explores themes of beauty, identity, the passage of time, and the complex relationship between the body and its surroundings. Each series he produces serves as a unique study of the body and its interaction with time, movement, and societal expectations.
One of his notable works, Corazon Mulato, delves into the historic city of San Basilio de Palenque in Colombia. Here, Sebastian presents baroque, yet pristinely colored portraits that evoke the power of freedom and liberation. Through this series, he captures the enduring legacy of African culture in Colombia, juxtaposing the everyday life of the community with an almost regal, surreal presence.
Throughout his work, Sebastian challenges conventional notions of beauty by selecting models who embody an unconventional aesthetic, thereby questioning mainstream cultural standards. His approach often involves a theatrical production, with actors, set design, and costumes, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This dramatic interplay of elements is especially evident in pieces like Agosto and Tabú, where ordinary settings are transformed into stages for the extraordinary and the symbolic.
Influenced by the tenets of magical realism, Sebastian’s work confronts Eurocentric and patriarchal themes, reinterpreting them within a new context. His photography subverts traditional narratives, instead suggesting a shared humanity that transcends superficial differences. His work offers viewers an enigmatic, liminal space that exists between the real and the imagined, marked by a sense of quiet disturbance and poetic ambiguity.
