Influenced by his Colombian heritage and background, Barquero uses his personal experience to explore his relation to memory and ephemerality. After having spent his first five years being raised by his grandparents in the Philippines Adrian Barquero moved to Bogotá, Colombia, to live with his mother who had recently finished her education. Once in Colombia he was enveloped in a culture rich with beauty and tradition permeating every aspect of life. Yet, he quickly came to understand that the history of his country was one of contrasts—a vibrant, diverse culture stained by violence—beauty and brutality existing in tandem. Having lived and switched between these distinct environments—change, transience, and impermanence are central themes to his work. Transformation being the only constant. This transience has always drawn Barquero to create, focusing on graphite as a primary medium.