Andrés Silva Vignoli.

Growing up in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, my work is rooted in the complexities of tropical ecosystems. A formative childhood trip to the Galápagos Islands sparked a lifelong fascination with birds, which have become central to my art. Their colors, behaviors, and cultural symbolism inspire me. Birds, for me, are more than natural subjects; they are allegories of human nature and society, imbued with layers of meaning that mirror the complexities of the world.

My training in architecture and a decade working in cartography profoundly shaped how I think about the concept of place. It taught me to see the built and natural environment as interconnected and instilled in me a fascination with genius loci, the spirit of a place. This perspective influences my art, which incorporates architectural elements, endemic species, and natural landscapes. My work explores the intersections of ecology, history, and culture, often reflecting on the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of colonial histories on natural and cultural landscapes.

Queerness is an equally vital theme in my practice, and for me, birds provide a poignant connection to identity. Growing up, the word “pato” (duck) was used as a slur for “effeminate” men or queer individuals, embedding birds into the language of exclusion and difference. Rather than shy away from this, I embrace it in my art, reclaiming birds as symbols of resilience, beauty, and multiplicity. They embody the fluidity and transformation inherent in queerness, mirroring the ways identity can resist rigid structures and thrive in diversity.

Politics and current events also play an important role in my work, shaping narratives that address urgent global challenges while connecting them to local and historical contexts. My art seeks to comment on and interrogate these issues, often using a touch of humor or mystery to draw viewers into deeper reflection.

Drawing inspiration from the meticulous observation of natural history illustrators and the layered storytelling of 20th-century Latin American writers, my work weaves in references to historical events and contemporary realities. From the ecological consequences of colonial exploitation to the socio-political upheavals that echo through time, these are the histories—and the present-day dynamics—that feed and influence my art.

Architettura UNIFI 2012

Royal College of Art Painting 2025

Contact Information

contact (at) andressilva.eu

Contact Me