Roberto Ramón Nuñez

“The Art of Self-Knowledge”
Lecture Performance | 2022
Urdinarrain, Entre Ríos | Argentina

This FSA Inspiration highlights a special talk by Argentinean artist and architect Roberto Ramón Nuñez regarding his transformative creative journey, intertwining themes ranging from personal crisis to artistic growth and spiritual awakening. The talk begins with reflections on “The Museum of the Mind: Conversations with My Other Self,” a notebook he filled with intricate drawings, paintings, and collages accumulated over ten years. The notebook, a gift from the artist’s wife, Marisa, symbolizes ongoing artistic exploration, emotional expression, and a quest for understanding cosmic spiritual patterns affecting human lives.

Initially uncertain about the focus on his notebook over his larger body of paintings, Nuñez’s perspective shifted after a conversation with curator Leeza Ahmady, who emphasized the notebook’s insightful significance, which captured his creative process and ongoing spiritual evolution, extending beyond his technical skills as a painter. This realization coincided with a personal crisis, during which Nuñez questioned his purpose and felt inadequate as an architect, graphic designer, and illustrator. Ahmady’s observations and criticism from another mentor led Nuñez to rediscover his childhood passion for drawing, which evolved into a meditative daily practice.

Parallel to his artistic journey, Nuñez inhabits a profound spiritual quest rooted in childhood memories, including aspirations to become a priest. While working on his notebook, Nuñez explored multiple therapeutic modalities and art forms, from music to traditional Argentinian folk dances. He also immersed himself in esoteric spiritual practices and philosophical and religious texts, eventually leading to a deep passion for studying astrology. This process proved transformative, wherein Nuñez had this epiphany: “Art goes hand in hand with spirituality—one cannot focus on one without influencing the other.” He reflects on the presumably ironic role of astrology which reconnects him to his love for Christianity and deepens his understanding of Christian theological concepts. His art, closely intertwined with his spiritual path, guided by his Libra ascendant sign (emphasizing balance and partnership), became central to his creative and personal evolution.

Nuñez also touches on “Neptunians” in astrology—those with an artistic mind who bring order from chaos, a parallel to the artistic process. Using the seesaw metaphor, Nuñez illustrates the importance of balance and consensus in relationships. A seesaw requires cooperation, mirroring how mutual understanding leads to equilibrium and fulfillment. Nuñez further reflects on the Möbius strip, symbolizing nature’s law of polarity. The Möbius strip figure showcases how opposites are interconnected parts of a whole.

Ultimately, Nuñez’s renewed spiritual insights into natural and cosmic principles offer a profound understanding of polarities and interconnectedness. Nuñez emphasizes that our challenges and suffering are not merely obstacles but integral parts of our creative process, guiding us toward our intended path. By embracing life’s dualities, we see these experiences as essential steps toward growth, leading to inner peace and resilience as we align more deeply with our true purpose.

A list of books that explore connections between transpersonal astrology and various artistic expressions:

1. “The Astrology of Personality” by Dane Rudhyar

This book examines the relationship between astrology and psychology, including creativity and artistic expression.

2. “Astrology and the Authentic Self” by Demetra George

This book explores the connection between astrology and the search for authentic identity related to artistic expression.

3. “The Twelve Houses” by Howard Sasportas

This book analyzes the relationship between astrological houses and human expression, including art and creativity.

4. “Astrology and the Creative Process” by Erin Sullivan

This book investigates the connection between astrology and the creative process in various arts.

5. “Cosmos and Psyche” by Richard Tarnas

This book examines the relationship between astrology and the human psyche, including artistic expression and spirituality.

6. “The Luminaries” by Liz Greene

This book explores the connection between astrology and creativity, including music, literature, and painting.

7. “The Starry Mirror” by Liz Greene

This book analyzes the connection between astrology and the psychology of creativity, including artistic expression.

8. “Astrology and the Arts” by Charles Carter

This book investigates the relationship between astrology and various arts, including music, dance, and literature.

Top Banner Image:

Roberto Ramón Nuñez, “The Seasons of Life” page from “The Museum of the Mind: Conversations with My Other Self,” 2011-2021. Drawing and collage (ink pen, markers, watercolor, acrylic and glue).

Left Image:

Roberto Ramón Nuñez, “Self-Portrait with Mars-Venus Square” page from “The Museum of the Mind: Conversations with My Other Self,” 2011-2021. Drawing and collage (ink pen, markers, watercolor, acrylic and glue).

Filming, Editing, and Photography by Sebastián Ingrassia. Translation by Martin Bauer