I’m a painter from Ibiza whose main inspiration is basically Ibiza.

In 1990 I graduated in Fine Arts, specializing in painting, at the University of Barcelona. The same year I became the curator for MACE in Ibiza. In 1991 I did my first Exhibition at Caixa. In 1994 I opened my first art gallery at the foot of the walls of Dalt Vila, a job I balanced with my real vocation: painting. Years later, I decided to focus on my real passion as an artist. I started exhibiting internationally and participating in Art Shows throughout Europe. Activity became frenetic. Back in Ibiza I painted several murals in 2006 while continuing improving my technique.

I’m really interested in researching and trying new materials and their possibilities. I use sand and seashells for the marine paintings, earth and stones for the rural landscapes and old window frames I recover from different places. My favorite topic are the voluminous bougainvillea taken from natural plants and duly treated to persevere in time.

This style gives a particular signature to my work.

I have exhibited several times in Paris, as well as Rotterdam, London, Montecarlo… in the later I met Baroness Thyssen. My paintings connected with her and years later she wrote the prologue to my book “Matter”. Other standout locations where I have exhibited are Florida and New York. I love Ibiza’s local food because the flavors are unique. I would choose an Ibiza salad or a ‘cuinat’ because they contain scrumptious ingredients from our local farms. I love the vegetables that are grown here on the island. Regarding desert, I would go for the ‘flaó’, especially the one made in San Miguel.

Why would you recommend our readers to visit Ibiza?

I recommend visiting the island because here you can find everything. The combination of historic sights, beaches, crystal clear waters, green rolling mountains, the architectonic beauty and the diversity of its nightlife.

What is your favorite Ibiza hideout?

My favorite spot is walking the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila and Marina. The bright doors, some majestic, others simpler, decorated with bougainvillea. The beautiful coves of Cala Conta, Cala Molí that I have portrayed over and over on my canvases at different times of the day.

How has Ibiza changed in the last years?

Ibiza has changed massively; it has become even more famous! Before it was only known by the locals and a few tourists, but its magic has logically transcended. I believe that despite more people enjoying the island, it has not lost its essence. Maybe now there are ‘different Ibizas’, but the real one is still with us.

What is the secret to continue surprising your audience?

The secret is no other than pursuing your dreams. Feeling the same passion for my painting that I felt when I was 15 years old.

Have you sold any paintings to any celebrity?

I have met many famous people who have dedicated me and my paintings beautiful words such as Eugenia Martínez de Irujo and her husband, they both were charming. Gisela Rich or Renata Jacobs are two great businesswomen who have also collected and championed my work. Baroness Thyssen and Antonio Colinas have always supported and shown interest for my paintings. In terms of press, Aurelio Manzano has always been very supportive, he has been amazing, enthusing over and recognizing my work.

Do you have any interesting anecdotes?

As an anecdote, Bernie Ecclestone and his wife Fabiana once entered my Gallery-Atelier and were that impressed that they bought six paintings. In Paris once, there was a dispute between two clients who wanted to buy the same painting, in the end the American won. Another anecdote that really thrilled me was when a client told me he had hanged the painting Marina in his house in Switzerland and loved contemplating it and reminiscing the summer while it snowed.

For you, what does Ibiza have that other tourist destinations don’t?

Ibiza is an island with real character. People who come from abroad quickly adapt to its more relaxed lifestyle, with its more open-minded approach to dressing… Here you experience a more slow-paced lifestyle.

What is the last project you are working on? And for whom?

My last mural, a Marina for Policlinic Rosario, specifically for the mental health department, in the center of Ibiza.

Which is your best exhibition and where?

My best exhibition was in Paris, in a gallery at Place des Vosges, the oldest in the capital. The curator claimed: “Ton bougainvillier illumine la Place des Vosges” (Your bougainvillea brings light to la Place des Vosges). It was truly magical.