First, I must say I like realistic paintings. That's the truth. The history of art is full of magnificent works of this kind. I fully enjoy all beautiful or significant paintings, even the hyperrealistic ones.

But... as a painter, I'm certain that that is not my way.

The painting that you see leaning on the stone bench (which years ago made my father) no longer exists.

Two weeks ago, I started that painting. First, I intended to paint a non-realistic painting, with some symbolic connotations. But, I don't know why, gradually appeared upon the canvas some interesting naturalistic forms. At this point, I thought: "Perhaps it would be better now to try a more realistic approach".

Suddenly, I felt so sad... Instead of pursuing my inner vision, my particular consideration of Art and Beauty, I would have to think about lights, shadows... and their mathematical interrelations.

Instead of dancing while painting, instead of dancing beautifully with the stars..., I would have to stay in the gray room of reality, I would have to consider very seriously the formality of reality. But a photograph is perfect for that purpose.

Painting, to me, is a completely different thing. It is a dance of freedom and joy. It is true: the practice of painting is not easy, it requires total commitment; the learning never stops, both spiritually and technically. But this practice, in essence, is basically a magical experience, a mystic dance, the realm of youth, the realm of the future.

So I grabbed this painting and with no respect I undid its beautiful forms. The next day I began anew.

How relaxed I felt, in accord with myself. Suddenly, I felt so young. so young... as if I were in my twenties again. I found myself, unexpectedly, thinking about love, thinking about dancing, feeling life very elegant and mysterious, an exciting travel to unknown wonders, as if all possibilities in life were untouched, as if all potentialities were attainable. The only duty: to be ourselves, and above all, to be happy making others happy, the wonderful duty of being in communion with the freshness of life.

Juan Bielsa