Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Hernán Di Filippo, the artist behind the new Otis Throw Blanket and one of the winners of our 2025 Slowdown Art Comp! Hernán is a painter, illustrator, and muralist from Argentina known for work that pulls from emotional memory, everyday rituals, and the colour and chaos of Argentine life.
1. Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city?
I really admire the emerging scene in Argentina. I think there is a semillero of incredible
artists. From emerging to established artists, these days I really admire the disruption
caused in music by Catriel & Paco Amoroso, El Mató un policía motorizado, NAFTA, visual
artists such as Celina Eceiza, Paula Duró, Amparo Viau, just to name a few.
2. Where are your favourite places to go in your city?
Now that I've returned to live in my small hometown, my favorite place is close to nature. I live in a city on the coast of the Paraná River, surrounded by immense vegetation with native flora and fauna. That's where part of my inspiration comes from.
Otis Throw Blanket by Hernán Di Filippo
3. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were
starting out in art?
I would tell him to enjoy the journey without thinking about the destination. To trust his instincts and that dedication and effort are worthwhile.
4. What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
I am listening the last album of Wilco.
5. What inspired your design for this latest blanket design?
That's the easiest question. I was inspired by Ollie, our beloved family dog. She and our cat Julio make our family a multi-species one, filling it with adventures alongside our little girl Mora.
6. What's your favorite way to slow down?
Painting. I think it's the activity that clears my mind the most and makes time pass in a
different way.
7. What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
It's hard to pick just one. I think I associate every book I read with the moment in my life
when I am reading it. The last great book I read was “Nuestra parte de noche” (Our Share of Night) by argentina writer Mariana Enríquez.
8. What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
The happiest moment may have been the day my father gave me an easel so I could move from paper to canvas. I think that's an unforgettable memory. And from then on, there have been many moments, such as when I received the email from Slowdown.
9. How does living in your city influence your work? Is there anything about your city that has defined how or what you create?
I like the phrase, paint your village and you will paint the world. I think you have to explore
your own territory with the eyes of a tourist to appreciate and find the extraordinary in
everyday life.
Otis Throw Blanket by Hernán Di Filippo
10. What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I feel that the opportunity to be part of SlowDown is exciting; I think it fuels me to continue creating and enjoying painting.
Instagram: @difilitoral
