Sebas Velasco’s Dreamy Oil Paintings Illuminate Cinematic Urban Landscapes

Sebas Velasco (previously) has long been drawn to the landscapes and cultures of the Balkans and former Yugoslavian countries in southeastern Europe, where he has spent the past decade traveling and researching for his large-scale paintings and murals.

The Morning Will Change Everything at the History Museum of Bosnia and Heregovina marks the Spanish artist’s first institutional exhibition. Inspired by the title of a song by Sarajevo-based band Indexi, the show continues Velasco’s exploration of urban landscapes and themes of relationships and passing time.

an oil painting of two male figures standing in a grassy area at night with large buildings behind them — “Wherever I May Roam,” oil on canvas, 195 x 195 centimeters

Rendered in oil on wood or canvas, Velasco’s paintings depict figures, architecture, and old cars illuminated by street lamps or headlights in a realistic yet dreamlike world. Taking cues from photography through the use of cinematic lighting effects and portraiture, he often juxtaposes contrasting elements like grassy meadows with brutalist high-rises or derelict cars with wildflowers.

Whether glowing under an orange street light or spotlit against a fuzzy smattering of brake lights and apartment windows, Velasco’s subjects are relaxed, poised, and unhurried. One can imagine the din of car horns, music, and other city noises in the background, yet Velasco emphasizes brief, self-assured interactions as if momentarily, time is at a standstill.

Nighttime plays a starring role in Velasco’s compositions, which tap into dualities of the known and unknown, revelations and secrets, individuality and anonymity, and the quotidian and the extraordinary. He conjures “gateways to complex socio-economic narratives,” the museum says, emphasizing the power of humanity amid ever-evolving identities and the tumult of globalization.

Find more on Velasco’s website and Instagram.

a detail of an oil painting of a man in a hat and jacket with his head tilted down, with buildings in the background — Detail of “Wherever I May Roam”

an oil painting of a vintage, gray Volkswagen Golf at night, illuminated partially by an orange street lamp — “Golf II,” oil on wood, 41 x 27 centimeters

an oil painting of an early morning scene of a housing estate with cars parked outside in the snow — “The Morning Will Change Everything,” oil on wood, 120 x 120 centimeters

an oil portrait of a young woman with blonde hair pulled back and wearing a blue jacket, pictured at night with her face illuminated and buildings in the background — “Agata,” oil on wood, 81 x 65 centimeters

a detail of an oil portrait of a young woman with blonde hair pulled back and wearing a blue jacket, pictured at night with her face illuminated and buildings in the background — Detail of “Agata”

an oil painting of the rear of a Yugo car in a grassy area, illuminated headlights or a spotlight — “Yugo 45 III,” oil on wood, 24 x 35 centimeters

an oil painting of a doorway looking out into the night — “Interior Night Sarajevo II,” oil on wood, 46 x 33 centimeters

a young man works on a painting inside of a museum, with materials and other paintings nearby — Velasco working on a painting in his solo exhibition at the History Museum of Bosnia and Heregovina

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