Mantilla embarked on his artistic journey while working as a designer for esteemed industrial design firms, including Curve ID in Chelsea, Manhattan – a renowned district known for its prestigious art galleries. Amidst this thriving artistic milieu, Mantilla immersed himself in the world of art by providing support to local artists in New York City. Fearlessly venturing into uncharted territories, he delved into his initial forays into collages and graffiti, leaving his mark on iconic neighborhoods like Soho and Greenwich Village.
As an artist, Mantilla extends his reach far beyond the exhibition spaces of cities such as, New York Tokyo, Rome, Miami and Bogota
His artistic perspective is profoundly personal, resonating with themes that bring him joy or harmo- nize with his artistic sensibilities. His creative process involves a dynamic interplay of light, color, shape, texture, emotion, music, life, death, war, poverty, wealth, freedom, love, pain, faith, and happiness – a fusion that encapsulates the essence of urban culture. As an artist, he forges his own universes, acknowledging that the existing reality may not fully encapsulate his vision. Through his art series, known as “Phygitals” he constructs a parallel digital realm that aligns with his preferences, propelling his work to new heights. Leveraging the opportunities of the digital era, his art transcends geographical borders and establishes connections with diverse cities worldwide. Mantilla’s true passion lies in building bridges between diverse cultures, techniques, and artists, recognizing the coexistence of the digital and physical realms in our contemporary world—a concept he aptly terms “the Phygitals.”
Creating a unique connection and synergy between individuals. This new era of connection, called “The Phygitals,” combines physical and digital elements to enhance human interactions and experiences. In the world of The Phygitals, every individual is represented by a digital avatar or an “Digital Reflection.” These ARTWORKS serve as mirrors, reflecting the essence of each person in a digital form. They capture the unique qualities, characteristics, and energy of individuals, creating a dynamic connection between the physical and digital realms.
As individuals move through this augmented reality city, their pieces of art emit a syntergic energy. This energy is a fusion of the person’s internal kinetic energy and their digital representation. It is a unique force that enhances their interactions with both the physical and virtual worlds.
The artworks not only reflect the individual’s physical movements but also extend their perception and presence in extraordinary ways. For example, the orbs can project virtual displays or interfaces that allow individuals to interact with digital content and communicate with others in real-time. This means that people can engage with others in a variety of virtual spaces and platforms, even when physically separated.
Moreover, this integration of physical and digital connection opens up new possibilities for self-ex- pression and artistic exploration. Artists can create stunning digital installations that respond to the movement and energy of individuals, turning the city into a living canvas. This synergy between the physical and digital realms allows for immersive and interactive art experiences, where people become active participants in the artistic process.
