Welcome to the fantastic world of

Duende’s Lair

Welcome to the fantastic world of

Duende’s Lair

The Magical Realism of Mixed Media Collage

Step into Duende’s Lair, a sanctuary where the mystical meets the artistic, and the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. Rooted in the spirit of duende—a force that embodies raw emotion, profound expression, and an almost otherworldly charm—this enchanted haven beckons you into a realm of deep creative resonance. A “lair” in every sense of the word, it is both a refuge and a dwelling place for imagination, a space where fragments of life are stitched together into mesmerizing collages of meaning.

At the heart of this sanctuary is Carlos Quinto Kemm, a master of painted dimensional collages. Carlos draws from the essence of duende to craft works that breathe with life, a soulful fusion of textures, colors, and forms that evoke awe and introspection. Here, the past and the present intermingle, the tactile and the intangible coexist, and every piece serves as a portal into the unseen.

Within the spellbound walls of Duende’s Lair, art becomes more than an expression—it is a window to the soul. Through his meticulous collages, Carlos invites us to explore the delicate balance between chaos and order, capturing the beauty of the imperfect and the allure of the unfinished. His work dances between reality and magical realism, transforming everyday elements into vessels of wonder.

This is a place where the mundane is reimagined as extraordinary, where storytelling takes shape through a kaleidoscope of layers. Duende’s Lair is not merely an art gallery; it is a journey into a world of heightened emotion and boundless creativity—a space where the magic of art illuminates the unseen corners of our shared humanity. Welcome to the lair where imagination comes alive.

What Is Mixed Media Collage?

Mixed media collage is a dynamic and expressive art form that blends different materials and techniques into a single composition. By layering elements such as paper, fabric, paint, photographs, and found objects, artists create depth, texture, and meaning in their work. The beauty of mixed media lies in its boundless creativity—each piece becomes a fusion of materials that tell a story beyond the sum of its parts.

The origins of mixed media collage trace back to the early 20th century when visionaries like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque introduced unconventional materials into their Cubist works. Later, movements like Dada and Surrealism expanded the practice, using everyday objects to challenge traditional artistic conventions. Today, the art form continues to evolve, with contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of mixed media in both physical and digital realms.

Creating a mixed media collage involves an array of techniques, from layering and tearing to assembling textures that interact in compelling ways. Artists often incorporate acrylic paints, handmade papers, magazine clippings, textiles, and even digital prints to bring their visions to life. Adhesives such as gel medium or mod podge help secure materials, while unconventional approaches—like stitching, burning, or embossing—add dimension and intrigue.

In contemporary art, mixed media collage has found a powerful voice, used to explore themes of identity, memory, and storytelling. Beyond the fine art world, it thrives in digital design, scrapbooking, and commercial art, where layered textures create visually striking compositions. Its accessibility makes it a favorite among artists of all levels, from seasoned professionals to those just beginning their creative journey.

More than just an art form, mixed media collage is an invitation to experiment, repurpose, and express the inexpressible. It encourages sustainability through the use of recycled materials and offers a therapeutic outlet for creativity. Whether through raw abstraction or intricate storytelling, mixed media allows artists to transcend boundaries, transforming ordinary materials into something extraordinary.

MEET THE ARTIST

Carlos Quinto Kemm – Metaphormations

 

MEET THE ARTIST

Carlos Quinto Kemm – Metaphormations

Having begun my artistic career painting and drawing, in the late 70’s I began experimenting with the medium of collage. My early work began with simple, small flat collages. Over time, the technical demands have challenged me to evolve and refine unique techniques to communicate that visual language. Some works have required several years of single-minded effort to bring to completion.

Allied to visionary and mystical pathways, my work feeds my questing need to make sense of life’s purpose. It is my heartfelt desire to give visual dialogue to those levels beyond personal symbols that will speak of the complexities of modern life in an age of incomprehensible madness.

I believe the collage medium is a largely misunderstood, yet incredible visual tool to stimulate imaginative awakenings. After 40 years, I still find the collage medium fresh and innovative. I find its ability to communicate metaphorical language of man’s inner spiritual search ~ limitless.

LIMITED EDITION

Mixed Media Collage Art Prints

EXAPAND YOUR COLLECTION

Limited Editions

Add a touch of mystery and magic to your collection with limited edition prints from Duende’s Lair. These exclusive pieces are only available in small runs, making them a rare treasure for any art lover!

Divine amalgamation

Bhodi Tree

The artist has long been inspired by the theme of “Death of the Buddha,” a portrayal of the Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana. In this reimagining, the artist shifts focus to celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Here, the Buddha is cradled in the arms of the tree, which takes on the nurturing presence of a divine mother or cosmic goddess, symbolizing nature’s role in spiritual awakening.

The surrounding landscape is alive with devotees, celestial beings, and creatures, all drawn to share in the glory of the Buddha’s revelation. Each figure reflects the universal impact of his teachings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life. The scene is rich with symbolic elements—radiant light, blooming flowers, and vibrant life—offering a vision of peace and transcendence. This artwork captures not only the Buddha’s liberation but also the timeless harmony and wisdom he represents.

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