Santoalba explores new narratives and views of historical works by recreating classical iconographic themes, characters, and motifs in different environments in contrast with absurdist concepts, anachronistic ideas or suggesting different timelines, intentions and outcomes that deviate and challenge the conventional understanding originally assigned to those works. 

He is best known for his innovative approach, employing a combination of mixed media mounted on polymeric panels, using oil, acrylics and latex paints, aluminum, and holographic foils on canvas inspired by old master paintings and sculptures. Santoalba’s distinctive style involves creating visual compositions on truncated canvases and synthetic and wood boards, meticulously worked using chisels, knives,  and an array of different power tools.

He utilizes a mixture of digital experimental and non-conventional painting techniques. Using blank regions as negative spaces, and actual empty spaces achieved by the physical removal of some areas of the canvas, which allows us to see through literal empty zones that, on occasions, are interrupted by physical extraneous elements, that can be strings, aluminum, resin, holographic foils, lenticular metallic films and a variety of items that serve as extension of the paintings that create a visual contrast between the chromatic, the lack of color, the visual pigmented shapes and the complete absence of matter.



This distinctive technique is combined with a profuse textural richness that is accomplished by applying the medium and pigments with custom-made tools other than the regular brushes, giving the works a unique tactile aspect enhanced by different finishes using glossy, satin and matte surfaces that attain an exuberant optical topography.



Using an ample array of techniques, from the intangible digital to the matter and concrete. Starting with digital manipulation of images, then applying algorithmic and fractal filters that are enhanced by textural pigments, all the way to the use of power tools, knives, and chisels to shape and remove materials.
 


His visual language navigates the natural tensions of polar opposites, the digital and the tangible, representation and the unidentifiable. The past and the present, the official historical narratives and the examination of political and social conveniences and norms, the material and the lack of matter. These multiple combinations and tensions are the dialectical factors that make these works distinctive, visually and intellectually appealing.

Born in Bogota, Colombia, based in New York and New Jersey has an artistic journey that is marked by the fusion of experimental techniques and traditional methods. In exploring the subject matter, Santoalba’s practice is characterized by the integration of diverse physical elements, contrasting concepts and historical episodes resulting in visually complex and thought-provoking pieces.  His work has garnered attention for its innovative and distinctive qualities. Trained as a graphic designer and visual communicator, he brings a fresh and unique perspective that deviates from the traditional fine art academic outlook.

The harmonious interplay between the digital realm, conventional painting, and traditional craftsmanship, offers viewers a unique sensory experience. Weaving intricate physical and conceptual compositions with abundant textural and tactile richness that invite us to look at the pieces from different angles making his oeuvre transcend standard painting practices and solidifying his trajectory as a new innovative contemporary painter.