Javiers work, which spans both canvas and public spaces, is inspired by the tradition of classical figurative painting, reinterpreting traditional techniques to create compositions that transcend time and space.

A self-taught painter since the age of 15, and professionally trained as a designer at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2006–2011), Barriga decided to enhance his artistic education at international institutions such as the Florence Academy of Art and its faculty in New York, where he delved into drawing, painting, and art history.

Barriga finds strength in the austerity of his compositions. His direct and unadorned approach creates an immediate connection with those who face with his work, whether in public spaces or more intimate formats. His art is characterized by an exploration of the craft across multiple formats and contexts through the image of women. These characters are marked by braided hairstyles and repose postures, often facing away from the viewer, placing them in a position that invites to the free interpretation of narratives.

Light, a central element in his painting, reveals these figures as if emerging from a dense darkness that, rather than oppressive, feels comforting and peaceful. This chiaroscuro lends his works an aura of romanticism and mystery, achieving an ethereal balance that is both simple and profoundly moving—an almost universal pleasure where each viewer, regardless of their experience, generation, or context, finds a reflection of something deeply human and familiar. It is this ubiquity in its appeal, the ability to resonate with the soul of anyone, that gives his work a unique and timeless magnetism.

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Javier Barriga has embraced the commitment to promoting artistic expression in the public space of his country. Despite a context of more limited opportunities for the art scene, Barriga has actively chosen to develop his career from Chile. His dedication to muralism not only reflects his deep interest in technical exploration, but also his desire to contribute to the cultural enrichment of public spaces. ​​Through his work, he aims to reclaim the value of art as an integrative element that interacts with people's everyday lives and strengthens collective identity, leaving a mark that belongs both to the community and to the landscape it inhabits.

EDUCATION

2005-2010 Design, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile

2016 Drawing, Painting & Art History, The Florence Academy of Art, Italy

2017 Drawing and Painting , The Florence Academy of Art (New York), EEUU