Joan Llaverias is a passionate Catalan artist whose works have featured in prizes, exhibitions and collections across Spain and France. His principal focus is that of the emergence of colors: how they appear in their pure state, how they can be manipulated throughout the artistic process, the life they can take on as they form images. Llaverias ultimately composes abstract paintings that explore the limits of paintings and play with recognizable figures in new ways. We sat down with Joan Llaverias to talk about his current projects, inspiration, and the start of his artistic career.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
It was in 1992 that I decided to become a professional artist. I studied engraving and painting in Barcelona, as well as numerous seminars and workshops. It was a very important decision and happened gradually. First I started doing exhibitions in cultural spaces, town halls, then small local fairs. Then I made the leap to international fairs and exhibitions in much more relevant galleries.
Can you talk about your artistic influences and other artists you are most inspired by?
Paul Klee and Picasso have been great artists who have influenced my artistic concept, without forgetting Jackson Pollock.
For me, the dreamlike part of our mind is very valuable in the creative process.
Can you tell us about a project you are currently working on?
At the moment I am developing the Urban and Organica series. I am preparing large format works and experimenting with new varnishes and materials.
Do you sometimes experiment, or have you found your artistic language and stick to it?
In my opinion, you always have to experiment to advance in the creative process. Besides, by experimenting, the work always surprises you and in this way my artistic life is increasingly fuller and richer.
What is your artistic vision of life?
The duty of an artist is to show light and colour to a dark and monotonous world.
Thanks a lot, Joan! Click here to view the SINGULART profile of Spanish painter Joan Llaverias!