El Gato Chimney: Folk and Philosophy in Motion

Surreal Visions

Italian artist El Gato Chimney creates mesmerizing pieces steeped in mysticism in a range of forms. His fascination with the transparent vividness of watercolors gives his many unique pieces cohesion and soothing translucent softness.  Heavily inspired by “natural history, esoterism and spiritualism, primitive and sacred art”, El Gato Chimney captures a strange and surreal beauty in his almost divinely spiritual visuals. Chimney also explores sculpture and installation art, all of which carry the same surreal expression of something dark and spiritually bewitching.

Growing up in Milan, Italy, Chimney became a self-taught artist by painting as a street artist when he was a teenager. Only after years of research “both of the history of art and on popular folklore and magic” the artist developed his current style. While still influenced by his roots in urban art and graffiti, his considered style has shifted considerably from the more traditional and urban street art to his own surreal visions.

The use of natural centerpieces such as animals, objects, smoke, and color in juxtaposed interaction create surreal and beautiful dream-like snapshots in time, bringing the viewer forward to question their perception with a naturally themed suggestion.

“I hope my work invokes a sense of mystery and urges the observer to research, in turn, the origin of these suggestions.”

It is clear that Chimney appeals to the philosophical curiosity of his viewers, encouraging them to engage in mystery and the themes that are not perfectly clear at the first glance. The use of soft pastel and prime color, combined with unusual imagery, and familiar animal form integrated with everyday material and objects makes Chimney’s work both soothing and thought-provoking, creating an endearing mysticism that makes one look deeply. Chimney can also create a pagan darkness akin to themes such as witchcraft and alchemy, a ghostly fantasy version of his soft surrealism.

Regardless of light the light or dark atmosphere of El Gato Chimney’s pieces, they all strike an introspective and ethereal chord, drawing the viewer into themes of philosophy, natural beauty, and unconventional endearment.

All images copyright of El Gato Chimney

You can view more work by El Gato on his Instagram and website.

Article written by Kate Smith