THE NEW PICASSO: Andres Valencia’s Rise in Contemporary Art

Colleen Richmond • February 9, 2025

AT JUST 13 YEARS OLD, ANDRES VALENCIA IS BEING HAILED AS A MODERN-DAY PICASSO, CAPTIVATING THE GLOBAL ART WORLD WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY TALENT AND BOLD VISION. AT THE RECENT ART BASEL, ANDRES VALENCIA ACHIEVED A COMPLETE SELLOUT, SOLIDIFYING HIS PLACE AS A RISING STAR IN THE ART WORLD.

A young boy sits on the floor in front of a wall of paintings

The Southern California prodigy’s vibrant, large-scale paintings—reminiscent of Cubism and inspired by icons like Picasso, George Condo, and Dalí—have become must-haves for high-profile collectors. His fragmented faces and striking use of color have taken the contem-porary art scene by storm, drawing comparisons to some of history’s greatest artists.Valencia began painting at age five, and his meteoric rise started when he debuted at Art Miami in 2021 at just 10 years old. His entire collection sold out on opening night, making him the youngest artist ever to have his own booth at the prestigious fair. It seems history repeats itself.Valencia’s work has captured the attention of Hollywood A-listers, musicians, and business moguls alike. Sofia Vergara, Channing Tatum, Brooke Shields, Jordan Belfort, Diane Keaton, Tommy Mottola, and Emilio Estefan have all purchased his paintings. The young artist’s collector base also includes renowned figures like art dealer Jessica Goldman Srebnick and philanthropists Robbi and Bruce E. Toll. His auction debut in Hong Kong saw Ms. Cube sell for $160,000—three times its estimate—while another piece fetched $230,000 at a charity gala in Capri, Italy.Despite his fame, Valencia maintains a grounded perspective. “Some days I paint, other days I don’t,” he says casually. “It just depends on how much homework I get.


"I just want the world to know my work."


Valencia’s process is as extraordinary as his talent. Working on oversized canvases, he uses a mix of oil stick, acrylic, and oil paint, drawing inspiration from masters like van Gogh, Bacon, Richter, and of course, Picasso. While he sometimes starts with a sketch, much of his work evolves spontaneously, driven by his instincts and imagination.Outside of painting, Valencia explores sculpting, filmmaking, and toy design. His artistic curiosity often leads to midnight bursts of creativity, with new ideas pulling him out of bed to create. His parents, Elsa and Lupe, support his unique journey, balancing his global success with the simplicity of childhood. “He’s a little boy first,” says Elsa. “He goes to public school, rides bikes with his friends, and plays outside.”Valencia’s reach extends far beyond the U.S. In 2023, Korean superstar V from BTS shared Valencia’s artwork on Instagram, including a commissioned portrait the prodigy created for him. This has sparked discussions about a potential collaboration for charity. Valencia has also been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Smithsonian Magazine, and other major outlets.Upcoming highlights include an exhibition at Frieze Seoul in South Korea and the release of a coffee table book by DK Penguin Random House in early 2025. Re-cent auction sales at Phillips in London and Hong Kong have fetched upward of $165,000, further cementing Valencia as a powerhouse in the art world.While Valencia’s work draws comparisons to Picasso and his success continues to soar, his family ensures his childhood remains a priority. “I just want the world to know my work,” Valencia says humbly.With his immense talent, star-studded fan base, and a vision that transcends his years, Andres Valencia is shaping the future of contemporary art—one masterpiece at a time.

April 18, 2025
Nantucket, with its misty harbors, salt-kissed breezes, and centuries-old charm, has always been a place where history whispers through every weathered shingle and cobblestone street. This spring, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks, the Veranda House, will once again welcome guests, rising from the ashes of a devastating 2022 fire that necessitated a complete rebuild. Set to reopen in spring 2025, the new Veranda House is a masterpiece of restoration and reinvention. Owned by Procaccianti Companies and managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection, the rebuild was meticulously overseen in collaboration with the town and historic district commission to ensure that the property retained its original federal-style elegance while incorporating modern luxuries and state-of-the-art amenities. First built in 1684, the Veranda House has stood as a symbol of Nantucket’s rich maritime legacy, its wraparound porches offering a front-row seat to the island’s ever-changing seascape. The new design remains true to its original size, scale, and architectural character, seamlessly blending historic integrity with contemporary comforts. Guests will find spa-like ensuite baths in every room, featuring Carrara marble, custom fixtures, and sleek walk-in showers—a nod to modern indulgence without sacrificing classic charm. The 19 redesigned rooms, including the Grand Harborview King with its private balcony and fireplace, exude an intimate, serene luxury. Expanded outdoor gathering spaces now offer even more opportunities for guests to soak in the island’s ambiance, whether sipping coffee at sunrise or toasting the golden hour over Nantucket Harbor. “This reopening marks a significant mile- stone, not just for Veranda House, but for the entire Nantucket community. We are deeply thankful for the community’s unwavering support in bringing this iconic property back to life,” says Paul Hitselberger, EVP of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts. The Veranda House is not just a recon- struction—it’s a resurrection, a tribute to Nantucket’s ability to endure, evolve, and enchant. Its doors reopen as a beacon of timeless hospitality, welcoming travelers to a place where history is honored, and every detail—from the breezy verandas to the handcrafted interiors—tells a story. For those who love Nantucket, the Veranda House is a homecoming. Images courtesy of The Veranda House.
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