Mateo Blanco, a renowned Colombian-American tenor and visual artist, has undertaken a journey filled with challenges, lessons, and achievements to become a unique figure in the world of art and music. In an exclusive interview with Colombia One, he shares his inspiring story of art, music, and resilience, and reflects what it means to work tirelessly to turn dreams into reality.
Mateo Blanco’s beginnings in art and music
Mateo Blanco was born in Miami, Florida, in 1981 to Colombian parents. At the age of five, his family decided to leave the United States and return to Medellín, Colombia. This marked the beginning of the creative’s journey of personal and artistic discovery.
Upon returning to Colombia, Blanco soon realized that art could be a powerful outlet for expression and for connecting with the world around him. His home, which was adorned with art from Colombia and America, inspired him with their individual stories and ignited within him a deep love for creativity. “There was a still life by Rafael Saldarriaga in the house that fascinated me. Among that and many other works, I began researching the artists and their journeys,” he recalled.
One of the most influential figures in his life was Debora Arango. One of Colombia’s most iconic 20th-century artists, she was known for challenging the societal conventions of her time. Blanco developed a close friendship with Arango after persistently trying to meet her. He even threw a briefcase full of books and precious stones over the wall of her home in an attempt to connect with the artists. “She taught me that the most important thing is to be at peace with yourself and with God, regardless of what others think,” Blanco explained.
Music: the sound of freedom
Blanco’s interest in music began during childhood, inspired by the songs of the birds that visited the garden of his Medellín home. When his grandparents took him to see “La Traviata” at the Metropolitan Theater, he was immediately drawn to its rich sounds. “I was blown away and knew that someday I would sing that same opera on that stage,” he said, his voice full with emotion.
The voice of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti soon became Blanco’s guide and inspiration. Blanco honed his vocal talent by mimicking the celebrated tenor, gradually shaping his voice into a powerful tool for sharing art and expressing freedom. During his youth, Blanco began combining his two passions by balancing his visits to artists’ studios with impromptu singing performances at parties and events.
Full of dreams, Blanco returns to the US
After completing his studies in Colombia, Blanco returned to the US to continue learning and growing. He settled in Boca Raton, Florida, where he earned a scholarship to study music at university, an achievement he attributes to his faith and determination. “I literally knocked on a door and was offered an opportunity. It felt like a dream come true,” he said.
While studying, Blanco frequently visited the Boca Raton Museum of Art, dreaming that his own works would one day be included in its collection. Today, that dream is a reality: two of his pieces are displayed at the museum, cementing his place in the world of visual arts.
A Colombian-American pioneer in music and digital art
Whether through music or through art, the Colombian-American artist has always sought to innovate and break barriers. In 2010, Blanco released a multi-genre album that blended his lyrical voice with modern styles such as reggaeton, salsa, vallenato, and pop. One of the album’s standout tracks, “Al Natural,” featured fellow Colombian singer Fabio Legarda and emphasized the importance of valuing women for their natural essence. “I became a pioneer, a tenor singing different genres without losing the essence of my voice,” he explained.
Over the course of his career, Blanco has had the honor of performing for several prominent figures, including former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. While performing for the president, former First Lady Barbara Bush captured an iconic photograph of Blanco alongside the head of state. “That image is historic, not just for me but also for historians and art lovers,” Blanco said.
Colombian heritage, American identity
Blanco’s art, which ranges from textiles to paintings, blends his Colombian roots with his American identity. His iconic depictions of the American flag stand as a bold testament to his unique cultural fusion. Each piece incorporates elements which symbolize Colombia, while also including imager which captures the energy and optimism of Blanco’s life in the U.S. As the artists puts it, “the American flag is more than a symbol; it’s a canvas for telling my story, one that reflects both my past and my aspirations.”
Since September 29, Blanco’s work “My United States of America” has been on display at the Butler Institute of American Art.
A life dedicated to inspiring through art
Today, Blanco’s works are featured in museums and private collections worldwide. His U.S. home is filled with pieces by Colombian artists he deeply admires, including Fernando Botero, Enrique Grau, and Ana Mercedes Hoyos. However, the space that he considers most special is the “Debora Arango Room,” where he displays the works of his friend and mentor.
“I’ve always admired the talent of others and deeply respect their journeys. My home is a place of inspiration, but my art and music are the tools I use to connect with the world,” he reiterates.
Blanco’s story showcases his qualities as a person. Proud of his Colombian roots and how this heritage informs his life and work, he defines himself as “the American more Colombian.” His life serves as a reminder that, with dedication and authenticity, dreams can become reality. As he himself says: “I share my story not just as a biography but as an inspiration for people to see that everything in life is possible.”