Francisco Sepulveda

Born in Santiago, Chile in 1977, Francisco Sepúlveda’s early life was shaped by his time spent in the countryside, surrounded by horses and nature. From a young age, he was captivated by the idea of exploring the world and discovering exotic cultures. His travels took him to places such as Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island, where he immersed himself in the rich cultures and untamed landscapes.

Francisco studied visual arts at the Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, the birthplace of the famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera. He later continued his studies at the Escuela de Arte de la Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago, where he was mentored by the renowned artist Gonzalo Cienfuegos. Specializing in printmaking, he honed his craft at Wilfredo Lam’s studio in Santiago, where he became deeply influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture, particularly Santería and its magical rituals.

His fascination with these rituals led him to Cuba, where he further explored the connection between art and spirituality in the heart of the Afro-Caribbean tradition. During his time at the Mac Museum of Contemporary Art in Santiago, he met artists from the Düsseldorf Art Academy, students of the renowned artist Gunther Uecker, who invited him to exhibit with them and visit the academy in Germany. Francisco continued his education in Europe, studying lithography with Raylnald Métraux in Lausanne, Switzerland. He later became a member of the Contemporary Studio of Printmaking in Geneva, where he lived for over eight years near the border of Geneva in Ferney-Voltaire, close to Voltaire’s Castle.

His journey then took him to Mozambique, where he was inspired by African culture and nature. During his time there, he met Makonde artists, who taught him the art of wood sculpture and studied also Lithography with the renowned editor Mark Attwood in White River in South Africa . Upon returning to France, he lived in Paris for two years, where he joined the Printmaking and Typography Workshop, Atelier Aux Lilas. Today, Francisco maintains his studio in the South of France.

Artistic Career and Exhibitions

Since 1995, Francisco Sepúlveda has exhibited his work internationally in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Mozambique, the Philippines, and Japan.

His works have been acquired by prestigious institutions, including the New York Public Library, the visual art collection at ETH Zurich, Spain’s National Library in Madrid, France’s National Library in Paris, Belgium’s Royal Library in Brussels, and the Jenisch Museum in Vevey, among others. His pieces are also part of the collections at the Museo Nacional del Grabado in Buenos Aires, the National Library of Catalunya in Barcelona, and the Contemporary Art Center of Córdoba in Argentina, as well as various cultural institutions in Mexico and Mozambique.

Artistic Vision

Francisco Sepúlveda’s art reflects a deep connection to the myths and legends of South America, as well as those he has encountered during his travels. His works are rich with ancestral animist beliefs and spiritual traditions, often portraying a world where human and nature connections remain intact. In this magical universe, large animals with mystical auras carry humans on their backs, and chimeric creatures—half-human, half-animal, or half-plant—gaze out from his pieces, evoking both mystery and wonder. The influence of various cultural traditions is evident in his work. At times, his compositions recall the surrealism of de Chirico, while other pieces evoke medieval illuminations. Some works even recall aboriginal art, with repeating symbols and vibrant colors that hint at “Dream Time,” a state of spiritual connection. Ultimately, Francisco Sepúlveda’s art possesses a unique power: each of his pieces opens a window into a distinct world, while also offering universal insights into spirituality and the human condition.