Miguel Manrique: An Artistic Fusion

Vicuna Festivity , acrylic and colored pencils, 18 x 24 inches.

Artist Miguel Manrique

Panther's Milk, acrylic and colored pencils, 18 x 24 inches.

Andean Galactic Wars, ink Drawing and digital color, 18 x 24 inches.

Tiger's Milk, acrylics and colored pencils, 18 x 24 inches.

Free Drawing, acrylics and colored pencils, 18 x 24 inches.

Tattoo design and application by artist Miguel Manrique.

Tattoo design and application by artist Miguel Manrique.

Skelethor, 3D resin print and acrylic paint, 5 inches

Miguel Manrique, known as Murino, is a multimedia artist from Peru, currently based in New York City. His artistic journey was sparked by an early fascination with comics and cartoons from around the world, fostering a lifelong commitment to the art of creating images. Drawing from his Peruvian heritage and a profound appreciation for contemporary pop culture, Manrique's art weaves together indigenous imagery with modern elements, resulting in a captivating visual synthesis.

How did your creative journey begin?

My creative journey started with my early fascination with old anime TV shows. As a child, I was drawn to the absorbing narratives and unique characters, inspiring me to imitate them in an attempt to capture their essence and create my own stories. This initial mimicry sparked a passion for storytelling and artistic expression. Over time, it evolved into a personal exploration, leading me to develop my own creative voice. Those early experiences influenced me and shaped the language I use in my work. Today, I carry that foundation with me and mix it with more contemporary elements to showcase the world I envisioned as a kid.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I draw inspiration from various sources every day, but among them, anime, Peruvian cultural elements, tattoos, and personal narratives stand out as my primary influences. Anime serves as a foundational element, influencing my work with its unique storytelling and visual techniques. From my Peruvian heritage, I integrate vibrant hues, symbolic motifs, and traditional narratives, adding a rich cultural dimension to my art. The meticulous and timeless aesthetic of Japanese tattoo art has left a lasting impact on my creative expression.  Moreover, my artwork reflects the subtle nuances of my personal experiences, infusing each piece with a distinctive individualized depth.

In the synthesis of these diverse influences, my art takes on an epic yet playful style. I strive to encapsulate the myriad elements shaping my creative expression, resulting in a body of work with a distinctive character. 

How has your work evolved over the last few years?

Over the last few years, my art style has undergone a transformative evolution. I made a conscious decision to infuse more of my personal perspective into my pieces, aiming to imbue them with a deeper sense of authenticity and individuality.  Additionally, the aesthetic of my work has taken on a more rendered and personal quality. Striving for a distinct and unique visual identity, I've delved into intricate details and the combination of techniques, creating a more intimate visual language that sets my recent creations apart. This journey of artistic exploration and self-expression has not only elevated the overall aesthetic of my work but has also allowed me to communicate my personal vision more authentically. 

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?

 My primary workspace is the tattoo studio, where I manage most of my creative process, something the entire process, from initial sketching to the actual application of designs on clients' skin. The importance of precision and meticulous attention to detail is a defining aspect of this environment.

Interactions with clients and fellow artists in the studio contribute significantly to a dynamic and adaptable creative mindset. This collaborative environment fosters a broadened perspective on artistic expression, encompassing diverse projects such as expansive murals and more traditional canvas works. When I shift my focus to traditional artistic mediums, I adopt a more contemplative approach. Seeking a quiet and isolated space, I draw upon the experiences and insights gained from my different environments. This transition allows for the integration of noise and action into a more rendered and introspective form of creative expression.

Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?

Every experience, whether amusingly trivial or profoundly significant, serves as the source of my artistic inspiration. From humorous moments to somber events, each occurrence becomes raw material for my artistic endeavors, a palette from which I draw to craft a visual narrative. I translate these varied life experiences into images that carry an epic yet heartwarming quality, creating a visual narrative that captures my essence. However, during the last years my artistic approach has been profoundly shaped by two milestones: my moving to New York and my start in the tattoo industry. New York has been a profound influence on my artistic journey, primarily because of its abundant and diverse art scene. Simultaneously, delving into the world of tattoo artistry introduced me to a discipline that demanded precision and intricate design. These dual experiences contributed to the evolution of my artistic expression and being proud of my creations. 

How has social media impacted your work? 

 Social media has been a game-changer. It's a source of inspiration, providing an endless stream of diverse artistic expressions that continually fuel my creativity. However, the flip side is the emerging sense of competition in this digital realm. The need to grab attention in a vast sea of content has added a layer of complexity to my creative process. 

This channel serves as a showcase for artists, but the constant pressure to stand out and navigate the algorithms can be a bit overwhelming. Striking the right balance between staying authentic to my artistic voice and adapting to the demands of every social media becomes crucial.  While it undoubtedly broadens exposure, it introduces a unique set of challenges that artists must navigate to thrive in the ever-evolving world of digital creativity.

How has your work as a tattoo artist impacted your art style?

Being a tattoo artist has been a transformative experience, particularly in the business aspect of art. The pace of the industry demanded a shift in my approach—I had to work faster, think on my feet, and, most importantly, cultivate trust in my craft. The immediacy of tattooing has polished my ability to execute designs efficiently while maintaining precision. It's not just about the art; it's about managing time and client expectations. This fast-paced environment has not only heightened my technical skills but also instilled a profound sense of confidence in my work. Each session is a testament to my growth as an artist, pushing me to embrace challenges, adapt swiftly, and explore new artistic formulas to create more impactful and dynamic images. This constant exploration keeps my work fresh, innovative, and resonant with both the ever-evolving trends in the tattoo industry and my personal artistic evolution.

Victoria Fry