Abi Castillo's Ceramic Self-Portraits Explore Femininity and Nature in New Studio

Abi Castillo, an artist based in Galicia, Spain, creates ceramic sculptures that function as iterative self-portraits, exploring themes of femininity, nature, and transformation. Her work features delicate, emotive figures adorned with organic elements like flowers, insects, coral, and marine foliage, which she describes as creating a "delicate armor." Recurring formal motifs include colorful hairstyles and wide eyes with light blue irises. Castillo notes an "ambivalence between mysticism and drama, between monstrosity and beauty" in her artist statement. She has recently moved into a larger studio, which has granted her increased creative freedom. The artist is preparing for a group exhibition with Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, opening next week at Outré Gallery in Melbourne. Castillo shares updates and studio views on her Instagram account.