While living in San Francisco’s SoMa (South of Market), I witnessed the changes taking place in this redeveloping neighborhood, and found myself enchanted by the rich architectural history of that area and the decayed beauty that remains. My fascination with domes, towers, sacred and municipal structures began with daily observations of the Golden Gate Theatre at Sixth and Market. For over a decade, I’ve painted the facades of both iconic city landmarks and downtown buildings and continue to incorporate them into my new works.

I've also developed another series of paintings, Tomorrowland Today- inspired by Disney’s Space Mountain ride, and by futuristic, classical, and industrial architecture; the specific point of departure was finding photographs of circus arenas. These imaginary sites are a mixture of old and new constructions from various places, East and West. In my cityscapes, I sense the presence of the silent stage uninterrupted by inhabitants. These paintings highlight the exteriors of complete structures and also depict architectural fragments. Their style is largely abstract and painted in bright colors. Playfulness of forms, juxtaposed against painterly skies. My works speaks about the possibility of growth and renewal, exploring architectural practice as both imagination and reality.

For more, visit: www.patricia-araujo.com/