Artist profile
Neto
Ernesto Tomas Vaquero is an artist whose practice emerges from a deeply intuitive process, embracing what he describes as "unconscious art." His creations evolve without the need for immediate explanation, with their meanings gradually unfolding over time for both himself and those who engage with his work. By blending personal experiences, emotions, and subconscious thoughts, Vaquero’s art becomes a vessel for introspection, offering a profound resonance that transcends words and connects with audiences on both local and global levels.
Vaquero’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including his debut solo exhibition at Sol Gallery in Fitzroy in 2022 and receiving the WOT Collective artist residency at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick the same year. His work has reached international audiences through group exhibitions and publications, such as the ART ANTHOLOGY V: MADRID EDITION in 2022 and the "Sun of the Kingdom" group show in Madrid in 2023. Through the New Ground commission program, supported by the Sidney Myer Fund, he explored themes of "borders and boundaries." On a local level, Vaquero has been a resident artist at Garage 35 in southeast Melbourne, contributing to community workshops and mural projects. In 2024, his group was recognised with the Community Group of the Year Award at the Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards, celebrating their impactful contributions to the community. Vaquero's artistic journey is defined by quiet dedication, allowing his work to speak for itself and invite others into its reflective depth.
Career Highlights
- solo exhibition at Sol Gallery in Fitzroy
- ART ANTHOLOGY V: MADRID EDITION in 2022
- sobremesa 2024 book publication
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I primarily work with acrylic, oil pastel and spray paint These mediums allow me to create a dynamic relationship between texture and color.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
My creative process begins with an intuitive, almost unconscious approach. I accumulate about 12-17 canvases in my space—allowing emotions, thoughts, and experiences to guide the work. These works are physically all around where I sleep. I reside in my studio, so I make it very hard for my eyes not to avoid the work. This allows my thoughts to always be on my paintings. The process can take at least 6 months, but it varies. When it feels complete, I step back to reflect on its meaning. If I feel it resonates, I move towards exhibition, whether that’s through applying for shows, collaborating with galleries, or engaging in community events. My journey from concept to exhibition is one of growth, exploration, and letting the work speak for itself.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
the only paintings in my studio are the ones that are not complete anything that is complete goes into another room to avoid myself from painting or adding more, there was a time where i was broke and couldn't afford canvas so i started painting over my paintings all i have of other finished works are photos because of this
