Andrés Silva Vignoli.

Growing up in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, my work is deeply rooted in the vibrant ecosystems of the tropics. 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 profoundly shaped how I think about place. It taught me to see the built and natural environment as interconnected, and it instilled in me a fascination with the concept of genius loci—the spirit of a place. This perspective influences my art, which incorporates architectural elements alongside 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 the environments I depict.

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.

Drawing inspiration from the meticulous observation of natural history illustrators and the layered storytelling of 20th-century Latin American writers, my work also weaves in references to historical events. From the ecological consequences of colonial exploitation to the socio-political upheavals that echo through time, these histories form an undercurrent in my art. My paintings are a tribute to biodiversity, an exploration of identity, and an invitation to reimagine our relationship with the natural world.

Architettura UNIFI 2012

Royal College of Art Painting 2025

Contact Information

contact (at) andressilva.eu

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