Автор
Родился в Сариñена, Испания
Lita Cabellut: From Street Child to Icon of Contemporary Art
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 set design, graphic art, or poetry, all of which are necessary disciplines in her tireless pursuit of emotional connection with the public through art, delving into the depths and dichotomies of the human soul.
Her working method is based on reflection and detailed study of the selected motif as the main concept that she later develops in her atelier. The pieces she develops on a large scale combine traditional techniques and modern applications. The characters chosen are the communication channel of the concept. Through these characters that act as interlocutors, the human being, the social message, brutality, selfishness, ignorance, or transcendence are the central themes in her work.
Her creative process is visceral and physical, and this is reflected in the texture, gestures, and unvarnished emotional intensity of her large-scale pieces. She considers art a key element for transforming and improving society.
She was born in Sarinena, Aragon, Spain, in 1961. Growing up on the streets of Barcelona, she experienced firsthand the hardships faced by marginalized communities. This formative period instilled in her a profound empathy for human suffering and fueled her artistic vision—a desire to confront difficult truths and explore the complexities of human experience.
Early Influences: The Prado Museum and Goya’s Vision
Her encounter with art began at the Museo Nacional del Prado, where she gazed upon Goya's Pilgrimage to San Isidro (1820-1823). This painting captivated her imagination, revealing a world of darkness, vulnerability, and profound emotion. “I recognised in this painting the expressions in the eyes of the people that I crossed in the streets when I was little,” she recounts. “It describes the madness, the hope, the terrific moments that the human being can have when you lose your security.” This formative experience solidified her belief in art’s ability to communicate universal themes—a conviction that would guide her artistic endeavors throughout her life.
The Gerrit Rietveld Academy and Mastering Technique
Determined to pursue her passion for painting seriously, Cabellut enrolled at Amsterdam's Gerrit Rietveld Academy from 1982 to 1984. There she honed her skills in classical painting technique, studying under renowned masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. She embraced the challenge of mastering traditional methods while simultaneously experimenting with innovative approaches—a duality that would characterize her artistic style for decades to come.
A Unique Approach: Fresco Technique and Emotional Depth
Cabellut distinguishes herself from many contemporary artists by employing a distinctive fresco technique, which involves applying pigment directly onto wet plaster—a method rooted in centuries of artistic tradition. This painstaking process demands immense patience and precision but yields results that are unparalleled in their textural richness and emotional depth. “I transform the canvas into a mirror of our collective psyche,” she explains. “I imbue my pieces with a distinctive texture and transformation that invite contemplation.”
Exploring Identity, Culture, and Social Issues: Series Inspired by Icons
Her artistic explorations extend beyond mere aesthetic considerations; Cabellut seeks to engage viewers in dialogues about fundamental questions concerning human existence—power, injustice, ignorance, dehumanization, transcendence. She draws inspiration from figures who embody these themes, creating monumental portraits that confront viewers with uncomfortable truths while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Her series Frida, dedicated to Frida Kahlo, delves into the artist’s life experiences and explores her relationship with identity and trauma. Similarly, Coco, honors Chanel's iconic style and celebrates femininity—a testament to Cabellut's ability to distill complex ideas into visually arresting images.
Recognition and Legacy: From Barcelona Streets to International Museums
Lita Cabellut’s work has garnered widespread acclaim from critics and collectors alike. Her paintings are housed in prestigious museums around the globe, including the Mauritshuis, Rijksmuseum, CSMVS, Museo Arte Contemporánea Sicilia, RAK Art Foundation, The Fendi Collection, Vila Casas Foundation, Goya Museum, Zuloaga Collection, Omega Capital Group Collection, YUZ Museum and Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair. Her retrospective exhibitions at institutions such as Vila Casas Foundation and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía have cemented her place among Spain’s most celebrated artists—a testament to her unwavering dedication to artistic excellence and her profound engagement with the human condition.
Her enduring influence stems from her ability to combine technical mastery with emotional vulnerability—a rare combination that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Lita Cabellut continues to push boundaries, challenging conventions and inspiring fellow artists to embrace their own creative impulses.
Музей
Представлено в 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.
