My work is based on observations of my surroundings: the lively streets of the city and the serene landscapes of the countryside. I paint in watercolors because their transparency provides an honest language, capable of capturing both the intensity of urban life and the calm of the natural world.
My urban landscapes explore the blend of urbanism and architecture that characterizes Guatemala. My brushstrokes narrate the daily lives of our people: the routine of those who work, the commutes through traffic, the incessant energy of the capital city. Each stroke seeks to invite reflection on the beauty hidden amid the chaos, to pause for a moment and discover that, even in the turmoil, there is harmony and poetry.
On the other hand, my countryside landscapes are a tribute to the nature and culture of our people. In them, I portray the tranquility of rural life, the nobility of its inhabitants, and the subtle but profound changes of the seasons. These works evoke the peace of open spaces and remind us that it doesn't take much to live fully: it is enough to appreciate the land, the roots, and the warmth of those who inhabit it.
My work is, in essence, an invitation to see with new eyes. To recognize that both urban and rural life have stories that deserve to be told, and that each of them reflects the identity and spirit of Guatemala.
- Marcos Batz