Popular Mexican Artist Juan Sebastián Barberá Durón Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with MexicoToday [2]
Popular Mexican artist Juan Sebastián Barberá Durón made a name for himself with his unique approach to modern abstract art, and has been featured in shows throughout Mexico, the United States, Spain, France, and India. He spoke exclusively with MexicoToday on Monday in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. His most recent collection – “Fracturaciones [3]” (Fractures) – opens at the celebrated gallery, Amador de los Rios in Madrid, Spain on October 17. While speaking with MexicoToday, he talked about his upcoming exhibit, what inspires and drives his work, and how being Mexican has helped shape his identity as an artist.
Picking up his first paintbrush at 15, Barberá Durón developed a love for bold expressionism and vibrant colors, thanks in good part to his Mexican roots. “Color is brave. Color is very important, especially being Mexican. I strive for spontaneity,” he told MexicoToday. It is with such passion that he found his identity as an artist – focusing on themes of love, eroticism, happiness, desolation and sadness.
What should people discover about Mexico through his work? “That Mexico is modern, vanguardist and prepared for a prominent future.” He wants people to see Mexico in a much more modern light, dispelling the antiquated and often archaic ideas of Mexican society. "Mexicans are great people, great friends, great businessmen and women, and great artists.”
Barberá Durón’s unique perspective and style have made him a contemporary cultural icon in the world of modern abstract art. He incorporates colors and themes that relate to his identity as a Mexican. Throughout his work he employs what he refers to as a mystic symbolism, a search for spirituality that has become a great part of his art. He describes this search for spirituality not only as a driving force of his work, but also the most universal theme among Mexican artists. He also draws inspiration from other Mexican artists, naming José Luis Cuevas, Carlos Mérida and José Clemente Orozco for influencing his use of color and style.
Barberá Durón dedicates Fracturaciones to the ideas of hope, and of faith in oneself, which he feels is especially needed in present times. While he says that his last collection, “Delirantes” (Delirious), was his most emblematic, Fracturaciones is more jovial, portraying a great deal of freedom. This theme seems fitting considering that the exhibit coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month. With Fracturaciones, Juan Sebastián Barberá Durón captures the joy, color and vibrancy of Mexico and its people.