Exploring The World Of Miami-based Artist Ernesto Kunde

We recently sat down with one of Miami’s finest, Ernesto Kunde. We were delighted to learn some interesting facts about the artist and his creative life. Kunde’s work captures your attention and draws the viewer into a world of intense color and aesthetic.  A self-taught artist, born in Brazil, he experiments with a variety of media, techniques and subjects. His latest body of work is his Mangrove Series –  a somewhat abstract and landscape oriented collection made with acrylic on canvas. Kunde transforms the mangroves of Miami’s landscape with a keen eye for interpreting his tropical surroundings. Known for his signature bursts of color on cuts of canvas, found wood and corrugated aluminum with many layers of intense paint. You can visit Kunde in his art studio, No. 17 in the Bakehouse Art Complex – located in the Wynwood Arts District at 561 NW 32nd Street in Miami, FL 33127.

Q – How long have you been an artist and how did you get started on this path?

A – I have been working professionally as an artist for over 7 years now, but I started long before as a kid. Being an artist was truly my dream since I resourced materials to paint and create. One of my first memories that lead me on this path is making works with coffee stains at age 8.

Q – Where do you get your inspiration from?

A – My inspirations come from my surroundings and my experiences. When I moved to Miami from New York, I was very inspired by the architecture and tropical landscapes, which lead me back to my roots – no pun intended – and the mangrove series I am currently working on. They display the tangled and intertwined root system of the everglades that in turn represent the relationships you encounter in your life.

Q – Your work is very expressive and your technique is so refined, how would you explain your style?

A – My work was once described as Tropi-Pop, and that really nails it. The stark contrast of the colors I use for the background is maximized by the black or white imagery. My work is at times abstract depending on the subject. Contrast makes it always well defined.

Q – What is the main challenge you face when beginning a painting?

A – My paintings are mostly based on photographs, so selecting the image I want to recapture is my first concern. The image then dictates the size of the canvas and where to begin painting it. Depending on my mood, the painting can either take on sunrise tones, gloomy skies or a sunny Miami weather feeling.

Q – What are you working on at the moment?

A – May and June were very busy months for me. I developed a site – specific project that showcased over 20 paintings, half of them being around 5 feet square. I was commissioned to create 6 new paintings the week that project came down and had another solo feature in the next weeks. At the moment I am working on my creative fuel. I am conceptualizing new installations to follow the one I recently completed. I am working on ideas.

Q – Which artist do you admire, one who has influenced you the most?

A – Paul Cezanne is my greatest influence. From him I developed and refined my palette. Some artists whose works I currently follow are Guy Denning and Adrian Ghenie.

Q – Any rituals you have when you’re creating art?

A – Music is a must. I cannot create in silence.

Q – At what point in the process of the painting do you begin to feel like the painting is almost completed?

A – Never, and that poses a very complicated question. There have been occasions where I go back to a painting after years and decide that something new must be added. There have also been cases where I have wanted to go back in time and stop myself from working on the piece.

Q – Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other artists trying to enter the fine art world?

Work and work. Hard and consistently at what you do. Any other advice, please pass it on to me as you hear it.