Capturing the essence of character is perhaps the most challenging aspect of portraiture—yet it’s at the heart of each painting and sculpture by Argentinian-born, Los Angeles-based artist Fabian Perez. Each evocative gesture or quirk of expression realised in the artist’s signature strokes offers a glimpse into the inner world of the characters he captures, from dancers and couples to circus performers, musicians, and celebrities.

The artist describes this idiosyncratic style as “neo-emotionalism” for the visceral reaction it inspires in viewers and the liberating effect it has on himself as an artist. “With every portrait, I paint people’s bodies to capture their soul,” he says. “It is fascinating to see how our bodies react according to the way we think, the way we treat them, and the way they respond to unconscious impulses sent by the brain.”