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Criatura Interview: The Meaning Behind ‘This is Tenta’

Inside ‘This is Tenta’: An Exclusive Conversation with Criatura

Following the incredible opening of This is Tenta at our Chelsea gallery, we sat down with the artist himself, Criatura, for an exclusive conversation. Surrounded by his vivid, large-scale works and the spectacular mural bursting from our gallery walls, we explored the fascinating concepts and untold stories behind his art.

If you have ever wondered what drives Criatura’s creative process or what his signature tentacles truly represent, this in-depth interview is a must-watch.

The Meaning Behind the Tentacles

Throughout his work, Criatura’s defining motif is the tentacle. But as he revealed in our conversation, these are not meant to represent octopuses or squids. The actual body of the creature is never shown—a deliberate artistic choice.

Instead, the tentacles serve as a powerful metaphor for the invisible forces that dictate our lives. “To me, the tentacles represent these invisible forces that dictate the decisions we make on a daily basis,” Criatura explained. “Whether it be social pressures, institutional, or governmental… they embody the forces reaching into all the nooks and crannies of your life.” His work challenges the viewer to pull back the curtain and question why we feel so passionately about certain things and what truly shapes our opinions.

Breaking the Rules of the Art World

Criatura is not just a master with a spray can; he is known for his viral, anti-establishment stunts. From a “reverse art heist” at the Tate Modern to his Barriers to Entry project on public transport, his performative art questions the rigid norms of the traditional art industry.

During the podcast, he spoke about taking initiative in a world where the deck can sometimes feel stacked against artists. “If they’re going to stack the deck against you, then play by your own rules,” he stated. These bold, disruptive projects are designed to show that artists don’t have to wait for permission to be seen.

Global Inspirations: From Asia to Mexico

While working under a Spanish artistic title (“criatura” means creature), the artist draws significant inspiration from his global travels. He touched upon his profound respect for contemporary Japanese and Korean art, as well as the vibrant influence of Mexican heritage.

Discussing his Mexalencia series, which was heavily inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), Criatura explained how he incorporated the celebratory lens of Mexican culture into his current work. Elements like skulls and the vibrant orange tones of traditional marigolds have beautifully found their way into the This is Tenta collection.

Creative Autonomy at Waran’s Fine Art

When asked how working with Waran’s Fine Art shaped the exhibition, Criatura highlighted the creative freedom he was given. We are incredibly proud to have provided him with the space and trust to let his imagination run wild—literally letting him paint our walls and wrap our archways in tentacles.

“Waran’s have never asked me once to compromise on my artistry,” he noted, emphasizing that the gallery setting elevates his spray-paint and acrylic works to their final, intended destination.

Watch the Full Interview

This fascinating conversation covers everything from his artistic grandmother’s early influence to how he balances the chaotic medium of spray paint with precise acrylic linework.

Watch the full conversation with Criatura below:

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Anastasia Samorukova

Gallery Manager

Anastasia, a museum professional with over a decade of experience in managing established fine art collections and large-scale exhibitions worldwide, brings a dynamic perspective to London’s vibrant art scene. Committed to the highest museum standards, she expertly showcases modern and contemporary art across diverse mediums, ensuring each piece is displayed in an engaging and innovative manner. Passionate about collaborating with like-minded professionals and artists, she oversees the installation of Matisse’s ‘Dance’ and cares for and displays other artworks with equal proficiency. Her passion for art inspires her to explore its rich variety within Waran’s fine art thriving environment.

Jonathan de Rin

Non-Executive Director

The De Rin family have a deep-rooted passion for fine art, with a sophisticated private collection which has been meticulously built since 1670. Raised in the presence of Venetian art and Old Masters, Jonathan’s early exposure to art was shaped his family’s Chelsea-based gallery, once by appointment to the now King Charles. Over the years, he has developed a broad appreciation for a wide-range of art—from Impressionist and Modern to Contemporary works to an emerging interest in AI and interactive art installations. He is particularly aligned with Waran’s Fine Art for its commitment to working with living artists and supporting the next generation of artistic talent.

Marta B

Non-Executive Director

With a background in private equity and investor relations, Marta has over a decade of experience raising capital across different sectors.Marta’s passion for contemporary art is rooted in both personal interest and academic study holding a creative art degree. Her strong connections across the finance, art, and business worlds make her uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural and capital investment.

Ellie Clarke

Creative Director

A Cambridge graduate Art Curator with a deep foundation in art history, Ellie brings a thoughtful and contemporary perspective to her work. Passionate about neo-pop art, she finds inspiration in its bold aesthetics and cultural commentary. As Waran’s Fine Art’s Creative Director, she thrives on collaborating directly with the artists in our roster, valuing the opportunity to explore their insights and creative visions. This connection between curation and creation fuels her approach to curation and artwork selection.

Dev Waran

Co-Founder

Dev Waran co-founded Waran’s Fine Art with a singular vision: to champion living artists and ensure they are recognised and rewarded during their creative journey—not just in retrospect. With a deep respect for artistic integrity and a keen understanding of the art market, Dev has created a gallery model that supports emerging talent through long-term partnerships and international exposure. His commitment to both artists and collectors redefines access to fine art, offering a more thoughtful, sustainable path to building meaningful collections.

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