One of the artists featured in the “Museum of Misinformation: Queer Reality Check” exhibition, Madrid-based collage artist Adrian Lorenzo, has recently won the Sugarts art competition, a project by Shut Up Gallery. We spoke with him about this achievement and his artistic practice.
– Could you briefly describe the competition you won? What kind of platform is it?
It is a platform called Sugarts. Its main goal is to promote emerging artists and creatives. Every month, they organize competitions in different artistic disciplines—for example, one month focuses on photography, another on painting, digital art, performance, or short films. Last year, I participated in the graphic design category and won third place.
– What inspired you to take part in this competition?
Some of my friends had previously participated in the painting category. Before that, we had attended one of their events during Fashion Design Month simply as visitors. That was when I became more familiar with the platform, and afterwards I decided to apply myself.
– In your opinion, what made your work stand out?
This year’s competition was the Grand Final, bringing together winners and finalists from different categories. The theme was Madrid, so everyone created work inspired by the city. I think what made my project stand out was my playful yet conceptual approach to the theme.
– What was the concept behind the work you submitted?
I submitted two works.
The first was a board game. As a migrant living in Europe, I often feel that life here is like a survival game, and it’s something I frequently joke about with my friends. I decided to turn that idea into an actual game. It incorporates well-known symbols of Madrid, such as the chulapa costume, the San Isidro festival, and the city’s iconic bear. As players earn points, they gradually transform into the bear, and in the final stage, their mission is to save the chulapa.
The second piece was a collage. In it, I portrayed the chulapa as a centaur, but instead of a horse, I used a bull, another symbol strongly associated with Spain. Rather than shooting arrows, the figure throws carnations, referencing the San Isidro festival.
– What techniques and materials do you use in your work?
I mainly work digitally in Photoshop. Afterwards, I print the pieces and create physical mock-ups by hand.
– How has living in Spain and being part of its art scene influenced your work?
Living in Spain feels very free and comfortable. That sense of freedom has a direct impact on my artistic practice because you can work on whatever subjects you want. The art scene is also very accessible. Since Madrid is the capital, there are many artists here, and being surrounded by them is incredibly motivating.
– Where do you hope your artistic journey will take you in the future?
I want my work to reach a wider audience and, ultimately, to make a living solely from my art. Right now, I work in a bar, but my goal is to build a future where I can support myself entirely through my creative practice.
– What advice would you give to young artists, especially those hoping to participate in international competitions?
My biggest piece of advice is not to wait until you think you’re perfect before you start. When I look back at my earlier work, I can clearly see how much I’ve improved. If I had waited until I felt ready, I would never have reached where I am today. And for anyone interested in international competitions, having a good command of English is extremely important.
