My work explores the relationship between nonverbal communication and the psyche. I pay special attention to how facial expressions and gestures communicate our emotional states. The intention is to delve into the complexity of the human mind as it relates to human interaction, personality, and role-playing. Inspiration comes from the day-to-day observation of the people around me. My characters are based on the reality of our society but they exist outside of it. They represent an interpretation of our condition.

I portray the human mind in a fictional reality where there exist no obstacles to express emotion. Oftentimes, we restrict ourselves from using certain gestures because we are afraid of negative criticism. My fictional characters, animals, and composite creatures express themselves without self-imposed psychological restrictions. They present the raw nature of gesture and the psyche that triggers it. Characters often behave in ways that are not idyllic but neither does our world. There is suffering, despair, isolation, but then there is also joy, humor and honesty. The vastness of our consciousness requires a lot of reflection on our part. A thorough investigation of the nature of the human character is necessary.

There are very few signs of contemporary culture in my work. This is because I approach the topic of the psyche from a universal perspective, one that emphasizes the universal qualities of man. In addition, this perspective goes as far as deliberately blurring the boundary that separates man from animal. Animals behave humanly and humans behave in animal-like ways. Both are intimately tied as if they belonged to the same family. The intention is to relate both by highlighting the presence of the human psyche as a universal force that permeates every aspect of our existence.

Spontaneity is an important aspect of my work. I start each composition by randomly placing color, line, and shape on the surface and letting those elements serve as guides. There is no preconceived plan regarding the nature of the composition. Every aspect of a painting, from facial expressions, figures, recognizable objects, backgrounds to scale and color palette develops as I work on it. The goal is to let the imagination take over the process and allow the mind to express itself through a stream of consciousness approach.

Manuel Miranda