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Alberto Salerno

Born in Lima in 1941, Alberto Salerno emerged as an impressionist painter in the style of Gauguin. After a 30-year career as a banker, he decided to dedicate his time exclusively to painting, which he studied from 1962 to 1963 and from 1966 to 1967. His work has been shown in more than 30 gallery exhibitions in Peru and other countries.

"In color, I find a reflection of existence," Salerno says. "I go through life now in the service of art, subject to all its rigorous demands. But I feel privileged to walk in this particular space that belongs to artists. Since I was four, I have sought to share my view of the world through my own sensitivity, using line, color and shapes. For me, art is a way of expressing my feelings – it is a need that comes from within. Thus each canvas transmits my enthusiasm and the joy of life." Salerno's paintings emanate emotion. He brings a great visual intensity to his work – some purely abstract, others with neo-figurative tendencies.

"I am as proud of my daughters as I am of my paintings," the artist confides. "They grew up amid oils and brushes. One of them is a painter herself and has followed in my footsteps. We've even participated in exhibits together.

"I have fun with color. What I do is to travel across the surface of the canvas. Colors speak to me, they delight me. I often feel that brushes limit me and I use sponges that let me work at the speed I feel is necessary to put my visions onto the canvas. At other times, the brush is what I need.

"Painting is like music – you can't explain it. It is simply to be enjoyed, music with the ear, paintings with the eyes.

"Thank you, Novica, for permitting me to participate in this marvelous team. I hope my works reach the hearts of the people who see them. You'll find them good companions that bring happiness and tranquility when you contemplate them."