Chris Blanco is a binational artist in the truest sense of the word. Born in Baja California, Mexico, the 38-year-old practices as an artist on both sides of the border.
From Jan. 10 through 25, Blanco’s work will be featured in an exhibit at Art Scene West, a gallery in Seaport Village in downtown San Diego.
Although Blanco started out as a landscape photographer, his work as of late has ventured into a specialized kind of photographic art, using his photographic work to present surreal imagery.
“I specialize in conceptual photography, meticulously crafting visual narratives that evoke deep and meaningful emotions,” says Blanco, who lives in Tijuana. “My passion lies in exploring the complexities of human emotion, capturing the intangible essence of feelings through symbolic gestures and evocative imagery.
“Through my work, I aim to transform emotions into tangible visual forms, inviting viewers to connect with the unspoken and the unseen. I am a passionate photographer, deeply in love with light and color, always seeking to express artistic beauty beyond merely capturing a moment.”
He took some time to talk about his work, some of which will be on display and available for purchase at Art Scene West.
Cross-border artist Chris Blanco’s work will be on display at Art Scene West from Jan. 10 to Jan. 25, 2026. ART SCENE WEST
Q: Your work is rooted in photography, but it ventures into more surrealist expressions of art. Tell us about your start as a photographer.
A: My journey as a photographer began with landscapes. I was deeply drawn to light, color and geometry, and I spent years exploring remote places in search of moments where nature felt almost painterly. Later, this curiosity expanded into astrophotography, where I learned patience and precision while capturing the vastness of the night sky.
Through these experiences, photography became more than documentation for me — it became a way to understand scale, silence and emotion. Over time, my focus shifted inward, toward something even more complex than the cosmos: human emotion. That transition marked the beginning of my path into conceptual photography.
Q: At what point did you start to venture into more conceptual surrealist approaches to your work?
A: It happened when I realized that what truly moved me was not what I was photographing, but what I was feeling while creating the image. Even while working with vast landscapes and the night sky, my attention slowly shifted inward.
I began to understand photography as a language — one that could express emotions I couldn’t easily put into words. Conceptual and surrealist elements became a natural extension of that need. Through symbolism and carefully constructed scenes, I found a way to give shape to internal experiences, memories and emotional states. That moment marked a turning point, where the image became less about reality and more about meaning.
“Dreamer” by cross-border artist Chris Blanco, whose work will be on display at Art Scene West from Jan. 10 to Jan. 25, 2026. ART SCENE WEST
Q: This is a unique — and more complicated — artistic approach. What is the biggest challenge of your work as an artist?
A: The biggest challenge is translating something invisible and deeply personal into a clear visual language, while working in unpredictable environments. Many of my images are created outdoors, which means preparing scenes and carrying out photoshoots in places like the middle of the desert or standing inside a lake.
Conceptual work requires complete intention — from the idea to the final detail — often under physically demanding conditions. Balancing emotional precision with environmental challenges is difficult, but it is also essential to the authenticity of the work.
Q: What is the most rewarding?
A: The most rewarding part is the moment when an emotion becomes tangible. When an internal feeling finally finds its form in an image, there is a sense of clarity and release.
It is also deeply meaningful when viewers connect with the work in their own way — when an image reflects something personal back to them. Knowing that a private emotional process can resonate with someone else is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my practice.
Q: At the end of the day, what do you hope your artwork conveys to the viewer?
I hope my work creates space for reflection and emotional connection. I want viewers to feel rather than analyze — to recognize something familiar, even if they can’t immediately name it.
Ultimately, my goal is to give form to the unspoken and the unseen, and to remind viewers that vulnerability, emotion and inner complexity are not weaknesses but shared human experiences.
“Solace” by cross-border artist Chris Blanco, whose work will be on display at Art Scene West from Jan. 10 to Jan. 25, 2026. ART SCENE WEST
Chris Blanco
When: Jan. 10 through 25. Artist’s reception: Jan. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Art Scene West, 803 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
Admission: Free
Phone: 619-724-0167
Online: artscenewest.com