From a celebrated culinary career to soulful portraiture, Gé Labarca embraces reinvention through art.

At 47, Gé Labarca made a decisive shift—from the fast-paced world of fine dining to the quiet intensity of the canvas. Once the creative force behind four acclaimed restaurants in Montreal, Labarca now channels that same precision and emotional sensitivity into portraiture, capturing the essence of his subjects with depth, lightness, and purpose.

Gé Labarca is a remarkable artist whose journey into the visual arts unfolds after a successful career in the culinary industry. Before fully embracing his passion for painting, he served as a director and concept creator in four acclaimed restaurants in Montreal, establishing each as a top gastronomic destination. This experience not only sharpened his attention to detail but also fueled his creative spirit.

At the age of 47, Labarca made a bold decision to leave the restaurant world behind, dedicating himself entirely to art. Although he had always been drawn to painting since childhood, it was during this mature phase of life that he chose to unleash his artistic talent. His artworks predominantly feature portraits, where he masterfully captures the soul and essence of his subjects. Each canvas reflects his meticulous eye for detail, blending perfection with lightness while conveying the emotional intensity of his characters.

Finding inspiration in timeless icons and wildlife, Labarca seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preservation. His commitment to his passions exemplifies the importance of chasing dreams, regardless of the age at which they are discovered.

In a short span, Labarca has succeeded in showcasing his work at major art fairs worldwide and has gained representation from prestigious galleries. His warm and human personality shines through in his art. By sharing his knowledge and experiences with fellow artists, he embodies the spirit of camaraderie and support within the artistic community.

Artist Statement

by Gé Labarca

My artistic journey has never followed a conventional path. Before painting became my primary language, I spent years immersed in the world of gourmet dining, leading and conceptualizing four acclaimed restaurants in Montreal. At 47, I made a decisive shift—leaving that world behind to fully commit to painting, a passion that had lived quietly within me since childhood.

Portraiture is at the core of my practice. Through each canvas, I seek to capture the essence and inner life of my subjects, balancing emotional depth with precision and lightness. I am drawn to both timeless human icons and the raw majesty of wildlife, using these figures to reflect vulnerability, strength, and the urgent need for preservation.

My work is both personal and collective. It is an exploration of emotion, connection, and shared experience—an invitation for viewers to see themselves within the image. Through art, I strive to build community, exchange knowledge, and encourage others to honor their creative callings. I believe it is never too late to follow one’s dreams, and that art has the power to transform, connect, and heal.

Were there any pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your artistic career?

At 47, I decided to devote myself entirely to the visual arts, a passion that I have since childhood. Working in the field of gourmet restaurants, being director and responsible for all aspects of restaurants, I have always been very strict on the aesthetic and artistic side of presentation of plates and service. Since I was young, I stood out for my drawing skills. I integrated my artistic qualities with my professional experience, and when I changed careers, I used these skills to make visual art a livelihood by selling my works. In painting, I try to represent the characters in the most realistic way possible while retaining their essence and depth. I let myself be guided by my intuition and dedicate many hours of work on my paintings.

How would you describe your art style and how has it evolved over time?

My artistic approach is fundamentally figurative, focusing on realism and accurate proportions of the characters depicted. The backgrounds play a pivotal role in my compositions, utilizing abstraction, mixed media, textures, and collage techniques to complement the central figure. I consistently work with large canvases, enabling the figures to command presence through both scale and expressive gaze. While my primary subjects are female portraits—chosen for their powerful visual impact—I also include male figures to provide balance. Additionally, wildlife is a recurring subject in my work; through these pieces, I seek to promote awareness of animal preservation and underscore the significance of respecting all forms of life on our planet.

Are there any artists past or present who have had a significant impact on your work?

Gustav Klimt, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Basquiat

How do you handle creative blocks or periods of self-doubt?

To overcome periods of creative blockage or doubt, I use several strategies. Music is a great way for me to improve my concentration. I also dedicate time to activities such as gardening or organizing my studio, which allows me to clarify my ideas and start anew, thus promoting the return of inspiration.

What has been your most meaningful or memorable project to date?

I am currently leading a project inspired by my painting background, having founded the ONE FOR ALL – art support group to help artists with their concerns and promote their work. This winter, I am organizing a group exhibition at the new gallery, giving members professional exposure—often for the first time. My own experiences have fueled my commitment to supporting fellow artists. In a competitive field, this group offers resources and community to help artists gain recognition and share their work.

How do you see the role of art in society today?

I think it's essential to encourage new artists to accept constructive feedback, because it promotes their evolution. Each artist has his or her own vision and way of expressing himself. In my support group, ONE FOR ALL - ART, I favor collaboration; Regular experimentation with new techniques helps to develop an artistic identity, while participating in exhibitions such as our winter showcase increases visibility. Finally, pursuing one's art with authenticity allows one to reach the public and to flourish in the long term.

If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?

As an artist, my work invites viewers to connect not only with the subjects depicted but also with broader themes of resilience, empathy, and the interdependence of all living beings. I strive to convey my messages through the expressions captured in both human and animal eyes. My intention is to inspire reflection on personal perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for life. By blending realism and abstraction, particularly in the backgrounds of my paintings, I aim to evoke emotion and provoke thoughtful dialogue about our responsibilities as individuals and as a collective, promoting greater respect for diversity and the environment.