Artista
Nascido em Sarinena, Espanha
Lita Cabellut: A Journey From Street Child To Artistic Icon
Lita Cabellut (1961, Spain) is an artist who lives and works in The Hague (Netherlands), whose work has become a benchmark in contemporary art. As a fully-fledged artist, her creative activity spans multiple disciplines. She not only needs painting to express herself; her creative drive to capture the fragility and strength of the human spirit reaches out and traverses the most diverse techniques and creative fields, from sculpture to photography, from installation art to video art and performance, from illustration to costume design, not excluding opera scenography in the creation of stage, costume, and video design. What guides all these multidisciplinary tools is Lita Cabellut’s poetic sense, at the core of everything she approaches.
Early Life & Influences: Born in Sariñena, Aragon, Lita's childhood was marked by poverty and homelessness. Living on the streets instilled a resilience and observational acuity that would profoundly shape her artistic vision. Her fascination with Goya, Velázquez, Ribera and Rembrandt began at the Prado Museum, sparking an enduring passion for mastering classical painting techniques.
Formal Education & Artistic Development: She pursued her studies at Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam (1982-1984), where she honed her skills and absorbed influences from Dutch Masters. This formative period cemented her commitment to artistic exploration and experimentation.
Technique & Style: Cabellut distinguishes herself through a distinctive fresco technique, blending traditional methods with modern media applications. Her palette is characterized by an obsession for providing her characters with skin tone—a deliberate choice that imbues her paintings with palpable emotion and texture.
Notable Series & Collections: Among her most celebrated works are “Frida,” featuring portraits of Frida Kahlo inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and “Coco,” a tribute to Coco Chanel celebrating the iconic fashion icon’s life through 35 large-scale portraits. Her series "A Portrait of Human Knowledge" delves into the lives of influential thinkers from the past century.
Recognition & Legacy: Lita Cabellut has garnered international acclaim, earning titles such as Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Barcelona and Artist of the Year in The Netherlands. Her paintings are housed in prominent museums worldwide—including Museo Goya Colección IberCaja, Museo Arte Contemporánea Sicilia, CSMVS Mumbai, and Vila Casas Foundation—solidifying her place as one of Spain’s most influential artists.
Important Note: Lita Cabellut's work can be found in various museums and collections around the world, including the Mauritshuis, Rijksmuseum, and gemeente musea. Her work has also been exhibited at numerous galleries and museums, such as Smith Davidson Gallery in Amsterdam or MPV Gallery in Oisterwijk, the Netherlands. She has participated in international fairs such as BRAFA in Brussels, Zona Maco in Mexico, PAM Amsterdam, Art Miami, Art Basel Miami, Contemporary Istanbul, Art Central Hong Kong, and Artfair Cologne.
Source: https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/lita-cabellut https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lita_cabellut /pt/art/show/art-d3b6sx-pt/
Museu
Em exibição em Barcelona, Spain
A University’s Embrace of Art: Discovering UPF Art Track
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Barcelona, at the prestigious Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), lies a truly singular institution – UPF Art Track. More than simply a museum, it's an embodiment of the belief that artistic expression is inextricably linked to intellectual exploration and societal progress. Inaugurated in 2016 as part of the university’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, this remarkable space isn’t confined by traditional museum walls; instead, it thrives within a carefully curated selection of historic buildings, transforming them into dynamic hubs where art, architecture, and academia converge. The very essence of UPF Art Track is rooted in a profound desire to share the university's artistic heritage with the wider community, fostering a deeper appreciation for contemporary art and its transformative power.
The journey begins within the Dipòsit de les Aigües, a former water reservoir ingeniously reimagined as an exhibition space. This architectural marvel, conceived with the visionary input of Antoni Gaudí, immediately captivates visitors. The building’s hypostyle hall – a breathtaking forest of 100 soaring pillars supporting a labyrinthine network of arches – creates an atmosphere that is both profoundly historical and strikingly modern. It's a space designed to evoke contemplation, mirroring the complex interplay between past and present that defines UPF Art Track’s core mission. Adjacent to this architectural masterpiece resides Espai Tàpies, dedicated entirely to the profound work of Antoni Tàpies, one of Catalonia’s most celebrated artists. Here, visitors encounter his textured symbolism – paintings that seem to pulse with layered meaning and a deep connection to Catalan identity.
A Tapestry of Contemporary Voices
The collection itself is a testament to generosity and vision, boasting an impressive array of works by internationally acclaimed figures alongside emerging talents. You’ll be immediately drawn to the monumental sculptures of Jaume Plensa, whose pieces seem to breathe with life, inviting intimate contemplation. The canvases of Miquel Barceló explode with vibrant energy, while Eduardo Chillida's abstract forms challenge perception and invite deeper understanding. Beyond these cornerstones, a diverse selection of artists – Susana Solano, Roy Lichtenstein, Frederic Amat, Josep Guinovart, Albert Ràfols-Casamada, and Antonio Saura – contribute to the museum’s rich tapestry of contemporary artistic thought, each piece adding a unique thread to the narrative.
The selection isn't merely about showcasing individual masterpieces; it’s about creating a dialogue between artists and eras. The juxtaposition of Tàpies’ layered symbolism with Lichtenstein’s pop art references, for example, sparks intriguing conversations about artistic influence and cultural context. Furthermore, the inclusion of Catalan artists like Josep Guinovart and Albert Ràfols-Casamada ensures that the museum reflects the region's rich artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing a global perspective.
Architecture as Art: A Symbiotic Relationship
What truly distinguishes UPF Art Track is its seamless integration with university life. It’s not an isolated addition; it’s a vital component, fostering dialogue between students, faculty, and the broader community. The museum serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary exploration, inspiring new perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. The very architecture of the campus – buildings like the Roger de Llúria building, once military barracks, now housing not only art but also spaces dedicated to democratic memory and intellectual exchange – reinforces this symbiotic relationship.
This blending of history, art, and academia creates an atmosphere that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The museum’s presence on campus encourages a constant interaction between artistic creation and scholarly inquiry, enriching the educational experience for all who engage with it. The commitment to accessibility extends beyond physical access; UPF Art Track has embraced digital platforms, forging a partnership with Google Arts & Culture that allows art enthusiasts worldwide to explore its collections through virtual tours and online exhibitions.
A Legacy of Openness and Innovation
The story of UPF Art Track is one born from a desire to share and celebrate. The initiative arose from a vision to open the university’s artistic heritage to the public, transforming spaces previously reserved for academic pursuits into accessible cultural hubs. This spirit of openness extends beyond physical access; the museum has embraced digital platforms, forging a partnership with Google Arts & Culture that allows art enthusiasts worldwide to explore its collections through virtual tours and online exhibitions. The very inauguration on International Museum Day speaks volumes about the institution's ethos – a belief that art is not confined to hallowed halls but should be an integral part of everyday life, enriching both individual experience and collective consciousness.
UPF Art Track stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of art within an academic setting. It’s a place where history, creativity, and intellectual inquiry converge, offering visitors a truly unique and inspiring experience. A visit here is not merely a viewing of artworks; it's an immersion in a vibrant ecosystem of ideas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of artistic expression to shape our understanding of the world.
