Nicolás Cuestas Rueda (Bogotá, 1980)
a visual artist and designer whose multifaceted practice thrives on the exploration of diverse mediums and the belief in the multiplicity of creative possibilities.
Drawing inspiration from the everyday, the spaces he inhabits, and the nuances of social interaction, Cuestas Rueda’s artistic process is deeply rooted in research and the vast landscape of online resources. He embraces collage and the concept of the ready-made as potent tools for plastic materialization, engaging in a dialogue with found materials that challenges conventional notions of originality, documentation, and archiving.
This act of co-creation with pre-existing elements fuels a unique anthropological approach within his work. By composing new ideas from fragments of the existing world, Cuestas Rueda seeks to preserve and interpret the contemporary human experience within a dynamic time-space shaped by collective thought. His artistic inquiries often delve into themes related to gender studies, examining how these narratives are constantly being altered, evolved, and refined to shape our understanding of existence.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Cuestas Rueda brings over two decades of professional expertise in graphic design, visual communication, and art direction, collaborating with international studios and agencies on a wide array of projects. This extensive experience informs his artistic sensibility and underscores his commitment to visual storytelling across different platforms.
His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a professor at Universidad de Los Andes and Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, where he shares his passion for creative exploration. As a founder of influential studios like Makinola® and Bastardo: imperio de Culto Visual, he has fostered environments for the incubation of innovative artistic and design concepts. This entrepreneurial spirit extends to his academic contributions, including the creation of the Digital Collage program at Universidad de Los Andes, reflecting his ongoing engagement with emerging creative methodologies.