Lidia Paladino’s artistic path has been one of evolution and exploration, initially grounded in drawing and engraving. Her interest later shifted toward textile design, where she spent a significant period immersed in its intricacies. After stepping away for a time, Paladino eventually returned to engraving, revisiting her skills and embracing new techniques that have greatly enriched her work. In 2003, she received the First Municipal Prize for Engraving, an honor that marked a pivotal moment in her career. Her artistic development includes a fascination with different media, such as handmade paper and the incorporation of found materials in relief sculptures. Her early engraving, “Presencias” (1995), highlights her use of the burin technique alongside the poupee method, showcasing her sophisticated approach to both the form and content of her work. Photographer Pablo Messil’s image of this piece underscores her growth in the engraving medium.
Paladino’s artistic practice reflects her belief that everything in the world is interconnected and in constant motion. “Things are not separate; they are part of our body and spirit,” she explains, encapsulating her approach to blending various materials and techniques. This concept runs through her body of work, where the materials she chooses are both objects of expression and metaphors for larger ideas. Through the use of discarded materials, she explores themes of memory, transformation, and the passing of time, often manifesting these ideas through tactile, physical components in her paintings and reliefs.
A prime example of her work, Entre Hierros (2006), demonstrates her ability to combine oil painting with recycled materials, creating a 100 x 100 cm piece that speaks to the effects of time on material objects. The textures in this piece reflect Paladino’s understanding of the past embedded in materials. For her, the relief work represents something more than a visual experience—it is a memory, a testament to time’s impact on everything around us. The tactility of her art is fundamental, with touch and texture playing a key role alongside the visual elements.
Paladino’s deep dive into the engraving technique highlights her meticulous dedication and artistry. It is not a simple medium, but she finds joy in the intricate interplay of lines, shadows, and planes. Her engravings go beyond traditional flat imagery, creating a sense of atmosphere that draws the viewer into her compositions.
In De la serie Otros Mundos: Inaprehensible I – II, she applies the etching and poupee techniques to create two plates, each measuring 80 x 50 cm. Her use of layering—through planes, lines, and transparency—gives the works an internal depth, reflecting her ongoing quest for balance between external and internal forms. The precise organization of these elements highlights Paladino’s exploration of space and how it relates to the materials and subjects she observes.
Her engagement with natural elements and the human experience is equally evident in her graphite drawings. In Serie de la Vida I – II (2011), Paladino’s use of graphite illustrates her keen attention to detail. Measuring 76 x 110 cm, these pieces delve into the subtleties of form and structure. Like her engravings, these drawings investigate balance—between light and shadow, between space and object. The graphite lines seem to move within the paper, creating an interplay that mirrors her approach to engraving but through the simplicity of drawing.
For Paladino, working with materials is more than an aesthetic choice; it’s a conversation with the world around her. Nature is a consistent source of inspiration, something she continually observes and studies. The integration of recycled materials in her art reflects this dialogue with the cycles of life and decay, as well as the regenerative power of creation. These materials are not just part of the work; they are the work—imbued with layers of meaning that extend beyond the surface.
Her work embodies this process of transformation, using textures, forms, and discarded objects to create pieces that feel timeless yet grounded in the here and now. She views her art as a constantly evolving expression of both her internal and external worlds, with the materials she uses functioning as bridges between these two realms.
Lidia Paladino’s artistic practice is alive with movement and change, reflecting the interconnectedness of life, material, and memory. Through her work in engraving, painting, and relief, she communicates the ever-shifting nature of existence, inviting viewers to engage with the tangible and intangible aspects of her creations.
