Javier de Juan

"I am a story teller"

Visual artist and key figure of the Movida Madrileña, the cultural movement that defined Spain's artistic resurgence in the 1980s. Trained as an architect, he began his artistic career during this vibrant era, becoming one of the most prominent exponents of the Spanish New Figuration.

Always starting with drawing as the foundation of his work, de Juan creates scenes full of life, movement, and emotion. His art, recognizable for its narrative depth and bold use of color, seamlessly blends the timeless with the everyday. While painting remains his primary medium, he has explored a wide variety of materials and techniques, from acrylics and charcoal to video art and digital processes, constantly evolving his artistic practice.

His projects draw inspiration from biblical writings, mythology, and classical works like those of Velázquez. By using mythological characters or universal archetypes, de Juan crafts narratives that reflect contemporary realities through the lens of the past. A masterful storyteller, he captures profound personalities and connects with the universal human experience.

Javier lives and works in Madrid, a city that has often served as the setting and inspiration for much of his work. His connection to urban life and its diverse humanity remains a central thread in his artistic expression, cementing his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.

ARTIST CV

CV DE ARTISTA

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Javier de Juan was born in Jaén in 1958. Initially trained as an architect, he embarked on a prolific career as a visual artist in the 1980s, exploring various disciplines and techniques. Drawing is the cornerstone of his creative process, enabling him to seamlessly navigate between comics, murals, press collaborations, posters, façade projections, and installations.

In 1984, de Juan co-founded the magazine Madriz and has since contributed to numerous cultural publications, including major national newspapers like ABC, El País, and El Mundo. Through his publishing house, Port Said, he has worked to elevate the visibility of Spanish artists both nationally and internationally. His debut solo exhibition took place in 1984 during the Movida Madrileña and Postmodernism era, establishing him as a key figure in the New Spanish Figuration. Since then, he has regularly showcased his work in prestigious galleries and art fairs such as Arco, FIAC, and Kunstmesse Zurich, with a notable anthological exhibition at the Casal Solleric in Palma de Mallorca in 2003.

De Juan's artistic journey has taken him to various global cities, including New York, Paris, Cairo, Marrakech, Essaouira, Malaga, and Mozambique, though he remains deeply connected to Madrid. Since 2006, he has ventured into experimental animated film, collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and the Madrid City Council, as well as private entities, to develop innovative public screening technologies. In 2017, he directed, designed, and animated the documentary El Silencio Roto, addressing the issue of bullying.

Throughout his career, de Juan has received several accolades, including the National Printmaking Award in 1995 and the Pop Eye Award in 2017 for his contributions to visual arts. He has taught courses and lectured at various universities and is currently involved in the master's programs at Carlos III University.

In recent years, de Juan has focused on digital art research, exploring the synergy between movement in 3D tools and analogue painting. His recent works have been displayed in exhibitions such as Recalculando at the Palacio Quintanar in Segovia. He is currently experimenting with digital sculpture using 3D printers.

Javier de Juan's work is part of numerous esteemed collections and museums, including Fundación Telefónica, Fundación Tabacalera, Fundación BBVA, Fundación Juan March, Fundación La Caixa, Fundación AENA, Banco de España, Calcografía Nacional, Lindner Foundation, Teatro Real, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Museo Nacional de Arte Contemporáneo in Seville, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Madrid, Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo in Marbella, and Museo ABC.