José Antonio Palacios Altares (Madrid, 1970) invites us to reflect on the relationship between humanity and nature in his series Wild (2023–2024). Through these works, Palacios highlights the beauty and fragility of ecosystems threatened by the overexploitation of natural resources and the impact of tourism.

With his distinctive figurative style, the artist does not aim for photographic realism, but rather seeks to express his personal vision in an honest and authentic way. Through a vibrant and, at times, fluorescent color palette, Palacios skillfully draws our gaze into compositions full of life, while delivering a powerful critical message. His works evoke pristine, paradisiacal landscapes that, sadly, face peril due to human activity.

This series marks an evolution in his artistic career, moving away from the neocubism and neopop styles that defined much of his work, while still retaining hints of pop art in the use of striking colors. Now, his focus shifts to a more organic and emotional language, deeply connected to nature.

The title Wild alludes to the untamed and pure, that which still endures despite adversity. The term also calls to mind the Fauvist painters, pioneers of the early 20th-century avant-garde, whose bold and unnatural use of color defied the conventions of their time. Similarly, Palacios uses color not only to captivate, but also to sound an alarm: preserving the wild is essential for the future of our planet.