MACHINES
OF THOUGHT
On January 17, 2025, renowned artist Yuri Zatarain opened his most recent exhibition, entitled “Machines of Thought,” at the MINART Museum.
This exhibition represents a bold exploration of the intersection between the human mind and technology, inviting viewers to reflect on the growing symbiosis between both worlds. Zatarain, known for his ability to merge abstract concepts with tangible elements, presents on this occasion a series of works that challenge traditional perceptions of thought and machinery.
Among the outstanding pieces are “the guardians,” monumental sculptures more than 380 centimeters high that combine organic forms with metallic and concrete components, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence between nature and technology, achieving pieces that seem to challenge the border between the natural and the artificial, transmitting powerful messages through art.
“Machines of thought” will be open to the public until the end of March 2025 at the MINART Museum. Those interested are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to immerse themselves in the innovative world of Yuri Zatarain and experience first-hand his unique vision of the convergence between mind and machine.
CONEXIÓN….”When you ask with your heart, the universe responds with all its might…”Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with the immense need to write down what I am feeling. God is here with me; dictating each of the words I write. The dark room soon lights up with faith as the silence and peace generate immense pleasure within me. I am not alone!! He is here with me!! My heart races; I know it's him; he already arrived; He always comes, he always is. Sometimes he helps me and sometimes; I help him... Sometimes, I invite people into my life and others he brings...Sometimes we think that he lives very far away; but not; he lives very close; and the closer you ask him; The closer he gets to your life... He is here, ask him to stay. He sent you this message!! And never forget that: “When you ask with your heart, the universe responds with all the power of its strength…” CONNECTION is being with God and he is already here with you….
GUARDIANS
After many years of hard work in the world of painting and sculpture, I finally have the opportunity to write and discover the meaning of my work.
When I was just 5 years old, a schoolmate drew with impressive skill. He spent the entire day drawing pictures while I watched and admired him. He felt very encouraged and when classes ended he quickly put away his notebooks and colors and magically gave me his drawings. My father always picked me up at the same time and I would wait for him there, he was my idol; He ran to see him and show him those drawings. He told him that they were mine and he replied: “Someday you will be a great artist, my son, how proud I am of you.”
For a while it happened like this and everything was perfect. One day there was a meeting at home and my dad sent for me. I ran up and at a large table he boasted to his friends: “My son is a great artist. Show my friends, son, how good you paint.” Suddenly I felt a pain in my stomach. Since that man's character was very strong and he would never have understood a mistake,
I felt the terror. If he had realized, he would have killed me, he would be disappointed in me. So I ran like crazy to my bedroom to copy my friend's drawings. He tried again and again and started again. He messed up and went on and on: he wanted to show that I could do it too. At that moment I couldn't, but something was born in me that made me get excited day after day until I finally managed to draw. At the time, when I was 6 years old, I won my first painting contest that definitely determined what is currently the passion that moves me. Seeking to be accepted by my father was a challenge in my life. For a long time we fought, and time and again I got awards and recognition for my work trying to please him, without success, and after many years one day my phone rang and it was him. For a long time he asked me for forgiveness for all those times that he had to be by my side. I waited for that talk for more than 25 years and now I just asked him to forget it. In the end, it didn't matter what happened, I don't even remember his words well. Suddenly I stopped for a moment, when I heard that all his life he had kept a treasure that he preserved with enormous feeling. “When I die I want to give it to you,” he said: “It's that drawing you made when you were 6 years old and with which you won your first painting prize. I always knew
that you would be a great artist and I have always been proud of you.” Time goes by. Before facelling my father, three years ago, he became my best friend. Now I realize that the only recognition that mattered to me was his. The artist must and has the responsibility to create all the time to give back to nature for the gift that has been given to him. A work of art is a chair of wisdom where the most important and involuntary element of all stands out, something similar to magic, but called “gift.” Thank you, God, for having given the gift of transmitting emotions to other human beings; thanks to my father, who discovered that gift in me. Thank you for allowing me to touch his heart.
When I travel to a place that inspires me or see a sunset or a moment that I want to remember forever in life, I just close my eyes and see that image in my mind. And when I want to remember that moment; I close my eyes again and see what I didn't see at that moment. I call that unforgettable moment of my life “Absolute” and the Guardians are in charge of ensuring that those magical moments continue to happen in my life and in the lives of the people who contemplate them. We are what we imagine; we are sorry; We are what we give and also what we receive. We ourselves are the Guardians of our own destiny!!!
