Hi there!

I love sharing the joy, wonder and endlessly fascinating world of art. Here is where I’m be posting up colourful stories of artists and their artworks. If you would like me to be part of your colourful world, no matter whether in the world you are drop me a line and we can discuss it.
Follow me @rasskazovabcn

Jacob Vilató

Jacob Vilató, Picasso’s great-nephew, states: “I don’t usually wait for inspiration to come; instead, as I progress with my painting, I discover the secrets hidden within the canvas.”

In this post, I showcase the pieces that captivated me and drew me to the artist’s studio in Barcelona, where I had the opportunity to meet him and hear his stories firsthand.

Anthropology. A fascinating work that explores the complexity of the human condition and its relationship with the environment. Jacob Vilató invites us to a surrealist game that stimulates our interaction with the piece, encouraging us to constantly discover and reinterpret stains that are not as simple or random as they seem.

“It may initially seem contradictory to talk about something that appears as random as stains, but it is precisely about discovering patterns that will then be deformed according to necessity.” – Jacob Vilató.

“MrJ.” is the name of this charming work that effortlessly transforms into an exquisite set of tableware. Each piece of “MrJ.” not only serves a practical purpose but also stands out for its elegance and beauty, elevating any table to an expression of art and sophistication.

“I love the idea of not having to store the tableware but displaying it as a work of art.” – Jacob Vilató

It is a delightful concept where each piece becomes a decorative element that adds style and personality to the space. The tableware, instead of being hidden away in a cabinet, becomes an expression of our taste and elegance, always visible and appreciable.

I was captivated by the story of the birth of these beautiful fabrics.

Jacob has a special attraction to African culture, particularly ritual statues. He has a stunning collection. One day, he acquired a rather peculiar statue with a heart-shaped mouth. He became obsessed with it. In fact, I didn’t take photos of the statues, fearing they might cast a spell on me. He spent weeks gazing at it, making sketches. He took it apart, drawing all its limbs and facial features, combining them in countless ways as if it were a Tangram game. This is how this exquisite collection was born.

I am fascinated by the creative process! It is as personal and intimate as the works themselves.

I had great opportunity and privilege to contemplate and touch such personal items as artistic notebooks.

“These drawings must be looked at twice. I mean, one must pay attention, otherwise they pass by unnoticed.” – Jacob Vilató.

I loved this comment. People must pay attention to life, otherwise it pass by unnoticed.

Thank you, Jacob and Itzel, for welcoming me with such warmth and care into your magical space and for revealing some secrets of creation.

Here is his Instagram account so that you can explore his art: @vilatoivilato

Thank you!

Kristina with love!

27.05.2024

Jay Handy

Jay Handy, an American artist crafting tales on paper, states, quoting Pablo Picasso: “The purpose of art is to wash the dust of daily life off our souls.”

I met Jay during our participation in the XIV Florence Bienal in October of 2023.

His authentic, sensitive, dreamy artwork with a strong identity attracted me. There were a lot of life stories behind them. I was so curious, that I decided to meet Jay Handy.

We found ourselves on the last day, at the final hour of the event. The warm, pleasant afternoon under the Florentine sky will always stay with me as we sit in the courtyard, happy and satisfied to have fulfilled one of our dreams, sipping a glass of wine. Jay shared with me the story of his life. I felt the intense pain and bewilderment of the abandoned child; my soul wept in unison with my heart. I connected deeply, recalling my pain and despair. Similar stories from our childhood and our lives connected us. It was an incredibly intense experience, and I am deeply grateful to Jay for opening his heart to a stranger. This connection helped me to feel and interpret his works in the most profound way possible. I admire his courage, wisdom, and capacity to create new and beautiful life stories that fit his dreams.

Jay states: “Some people are connected by “the red thread,” which means that some of us are predestined to meet in this life and to get deeply connected by our soul and heart forever.” I agree with this theory.

I completely share this theory with him.

Hold the phone. Detail of artwork.

A few familiar numbers to the residents of Bay City.

Jay Handy states: “A simple series of numbers can hold deep memories, from the phone calls to friends you made growing up or the day you moved to a new city.”

I wish to share the story of this piece because, in my opinion, it epitomizes Jay´s personality, as do all his works. Through it, one can glimpse his vision and deep perception of the world and life. Here, I showed just a few details of his artwork. You can see the whole collection in his upcoming exhibitions.

His artwork could be called The Highs and Lows of Childhood. This artwork features photos of children that emphasize how sensitive they can be. While it seems trivial, simple events like the loss of a toy are a big deal to young children.

With the intense, warm colors in the background, this artwork reminds us how intense our emotions can be.

Here is his Instagram account so that you can explore his stories via art: @jayhandyink

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

30.05.2024

Wayne Stoner. Absence of the ego.

Today, I will tell you the story of an American artist from Washington, currently living and working in Florence. His name is Wayne Stoner.

I met Wayne at the Reial Cercle Artístic Barcelona at an exhibition of the group of artists OpenArtCode, based in Florence.

There was a lot of excitement around Wayne’s painting. Everyone was eagerly touching and feeling his artwork. I also joined in with joy; its surface felt like delicate lamb skin. The rough seams created a contrast. This unusual moment made me want to meet the creator and ask him about the birth of the artwork.

Wayne told me that he had painted a large-format piece for a prestigious exhibition in Paris at the Palais Royal. He eagerly awaited a call from the curator. The curator called and said that the painting was too large. Without much hesitation, Wayne cut the painting to the required size, framed it, and sent it to the exhibition. The painting was sold. Wayne was very pleased. Upon returning to his studio in Washington, he found the scraps left from the painting and decided to sew them together. Thus, a new artwork was born.

I was deeply impressed by the artist’s flexibility and wisdom, and his easygoing attitude towards himself, his work, and life.

You can find Wayne Stoner and discover more about his art on Instagram: @waynestonerartis

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

05.06.2024

Aude de la Bouillerie. Blessed are the cracked.

I had the pleasure of meeting Aude de la Bouillerie an artist and clinical psychologist from Paris during our participation in the XIV Florence Biennale in October 2023. I was captivated by her marble artworks, which appeared as weightless, beautiful, and harmonious as Chopin’s nocturnes.

Born in 1974, Aude de la Bouillerie discovered sculpture in 2003. She first practised clay modelling, then moved on to stone carving in 2014, before training in the multiple art of ceramics. From a recreational hobby sprang a real passion, which she decided to pursue as a profession in 2019. From the outset, the artist’s research has been both formal and sensory. In clay, bronze or stone, her pieces vary both in silhouette and material: initially highly figurative, her sculptures evolve over time towards more abstract outlines, where shadows underline light and vice versa. Today, Aude de la Bouillerie focuses on working with stone. Her approach is essentially sensory, from the initial rough contact with the block of marble or alabaster to the delicacy of the final form. Inspired by the sensuality of the material, she brings out of the block the exacting elegance of the lines, the softness and lightness of the curves.

“Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light”, with its nod to the kintsugi technique (a traditional Japanese method of repairing ceramics), is a direct reference to Aude de la Bouillerie’s other profession: that of clinical psychologist.

It’s a tribute to all her patients, young and old, and more broadly to all those who, despite their frailties and trials, embark on a process of self-transformation and repair. It’s a process that requires patience and courage, and a journey towards a more robust self that does not deny its wounds and imperfections – quite the contrary.

Aude de la Bouillerie states, quoting Leonardo da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

I deeply admired both of her professions; they seem incredibly challenging. The strong connection between her roles is truly inspiring. Aude de la Bouillerie dedicates herself to helping people become more harmonious and beautiful, much like how she meticulously shapes marble to create something musically beautiful and harmonious.

Here is her Instagram account so that you can explore her stories via art: @aude2labouillerie

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

10.06.2024.

Serge Gauya. “The Blue Dog”.

I met Serge Gauya and “The Blue Dog” during the Florence Bienniale in October 2023. I was just fascinated by its kindness, sweetness and uniqueness without any pretension. I was really in love and curious about its story.

Serge Gauya states: “Since I was very young I have been drawing various characters and one day the Blue Dog arrived. I liked coloring it blue to show people that being unique and different can be an advantage in our society. Today for me the Blue Dog represents my main character as many people identify my work with this character.”

Serge Gauya and “The Blue Dog” got the title of ambassador of the Florence Bienniale 2023!

Serge Gauya has two passions: music and painting.  Until 2012, his career focused on music, especially Latin and electronic music.  He has recorded nearly 100 titles and has performed on five continents.   From 2012 Serge began to present his paintings.

Since then Serge has participated in 74 exhibitions in 22 countries. He has received numerous awards for his painting and has represented Swiss contemporary art three times: in Kuwait, Paraguay and Egypt.

In 2017 Serge created on a canvas what would soon become his main character « The Blue Dog © » Very quickly he depicted it in several paintings and soon he would sculpt it in two and three dimensions in different sizes and colors.

The Blue Dog © will also be found on various supports such as bags, scarves, etc. which have been see on the Hollywood red carpets. Today it can be seen in several cities around the world.

I love the story of the blue dog! I totally agree with the message! To be unique and authentic is the way to live a successful, fulfilling and happy life, inspiring people around you.

I would love to be able to have it in my house one day!

Here is his Instagram account so that you can explore his stories via art: @sergegauya

Thank you!

Kristina with love. @rasskazovabcn

04.07.2024

Rita and Pop. The “Dragon Ball Mural” that Honors Akira Toriyama. BesArt Museum.

“One thing we will cherish as a treasure are the reactions of the people passing by the river, commenting on the characters and sharing memories of their childhoods. The interaction and connection with people, regardless of age, from 10 to 60 years old, who came with excitement to see and talk to us about these characters and the world of Akira Toriyama, were unforgettable.” – Rafa (Pop) and Rita state.

I met Rita and Rafa, who go by the artistic name Pop, at the inauguration of “The Dragon Ball Mural” that honors Akira Toriyama. This remarkable event took place at the stunning BesArt Museum by the river in Gramenet (Barcelona).
Dragon Ball is a Japanese cartoon that gained immense popularity in the 1980s and remains beloved to this day.

I was truly impressed by the project. This dynamic duo came together to create a huge, colorful, and delightful mural in honor of their idol from their childhood.

Rita and Rafa, an artistic duo comprised of a muralist illustrator and a graffiti writer from Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona), embarked on an exciting journey when they received a commission from BesArt to create a mural honoring the legendary Akira Toriyama. Given complete freedom to execute this tribute, they meticulously researched Toriyama’s work and collaborated remotely, putting great thought into capturing the childhoods of three generations, not just honoring the artist.

After much deliberation, they decided which characters would feature in the mural and the background that would set the scene. Within a month, they had a final sketch and a complete list of the necessary materials. The eagerly awaited moment arrived, and they began painting. Starting on a Friday afternoon, they held a meeting with people from a local school who assisted during two subsequent afternoons. From there, they dived into the work, and after nearly two weeks of hard labor, they finished. Exhausted but extremely happy and satisfied with the result, they appreciated everything they had learned along the way and the collaboration with the school. Above all, they were deeply grateful for the trust placed in them.

Pop and Rita states: “We encourage you to visit and enjoy all the artworks available at BesArt, surrounded by nature.”

I wholeheartedly endorse their recommendation! Art is necessary – is the slogan of the BesArt Museum.

BesArt is a project under construction aiming to become the largest urban art museum in the world. It is located in the final stretch of the Besòs River, between Santa Coloma, Sant Adrià, and Barcelona. The project starts in Santa Coloma, with plans to expand to Sant Adrià, Barcelona, La Llagosta, Martorelles, Mollet, Montcada i Reixac, Montmeló… Just follow the river.

This museum is a living museum, where everyone can participate, and where the constant changes we experience today are reflected on the walls and over the grass. There’s no entry fee. No tickets. No restrictions, no guides, and no need for extensive art knowledge. All you need is to share a space, breathe, contemplate, and express yourself.

Here you can find more information about the project BesArt: @besart_the_river_museum

Here you can know more about Pop y Rita and discover their art : @salmorejoforever @elmundode_rita

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

09.07.2024

Chelsea Davine. Reflect.

Chelsea states: “Reflect” showcases the reflection of nature’s wonders through my eyes, the reflection of one painting in another, and the reflection of my soul in each piece.”

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Chelsea Davine, an artist from England, and learning more about her and her work. Chelsea was born in London and has been living and working in Barcelona for the past 20 years. She draws her inspiration from the natural surroundings. Chelsea is known for her extensive experimentation with techniques.

Chelsea is known for her extensive experimentation with techniques. For instance, she discovered that oil and acrylic paints cannot be mixed; when attempted, they repel each other, creating a remarkably striking effect.

Additionally, Chelsea experiments with unconventional canvases, using pressed metal typically found in automobile manufacturing. She paints with seawater on the metal, and the resulting chemical reaction—oxidation (rusting)—produces an incredible effect imbued with personal symbolism. This inspiration traces back to her childhood, spent frequently with her parents in an English coastal town, where she observed the rusting effect on everything that came into contact with seawater.

Chelsea states: “For me metal symbolizes masculine energy and water represents feminine. It is fascinating how water, such a gentle, light, and transparent substance, can alter something as strong and heavy as metal. I am not a feminist but rather a philosopher.”

Chelsea emphasized that she does not consider herself a feminist but rather a philosopher. In her view, the masculine and feminine, yin and yang, are inseparably intertwined, constantly evolving under the influence of opposing energies, each bearing the imprint of the other.

Chelsea Davine’s new exhibition at the Villa de Arte gallery is titled “Reflect.” It showcases the reflection of nature’s wonders through her eyes, the reflection of one painting in another, and the reflection of her soul in each piece. Chelsea bravely experiments with materials in her work, uses a vibrant color palette, and her pieces convey depth and perspective. Despite the vividness and brilliance of the colors, her works exude tranquility. I would liken the effect of her paintings to natural wonders such as sunsets, sunrises, or the sky before a storm.

To learn more about Chelsea and her works, follow her on Instagram @chelseadavine.

The “Reflect” collection can be viewed at the Villa de Arte gallery on Cathedral Square in Barcelona until the 24 of July 2024.

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

09.07.2024.

Anastasia Arteyeva. “The Unbroken”

“There is a crack in everything… that’s how the light gets in.” L. Cohen

I met Anastasia during the birthday party of a friend of mine. I was impressed by her inner light and I decided to know her better.

Anastasia is an Ukrainian artist from Odessa. She is currently living in Barcelona and studying at the Art Academy of Barcelona, specializing in sculpture. Her education is rooted in classical training, with all sculptures adhering to traditional canons. Yet, within these constraints, Anastasia discovered a channel for her creativity by opting to use innovative and unusual materials to craft classical forms.

For her sculpture “Unbroken,” she employed a unique rubber that forms cracks when poured into a mold. As it dries, the cracks “heal,” creating an intricate pattern reminiscent of rose quartz. Anastasia shared her inspiration behind this piece. She reflected on how, throughout life, people fall and break many times. Over time, their wounds heal, making them stronger, although the scars remain as a testament to their acquired wisdom and experience.

Anastasia states: “This quote and this song gave me hope in my darkest times, when I felt broken and hopeless. When I saw how this sculpture turned out, that was the first thing I thought about. This piece feels very personal: the gesture, the color, the unique pattern of cracks, the way the light shines through. It looks fragile, but it is actually quite heavy and strong.”

Gazing upon this sculpture, I was struck by the thought that people must be treated with care and gentleness, for our bodies and souls are marred by both healed and fresh wounds. We should strive not to touch or reopen these wounds. At the heart of human interaction should be love, faith, and compassion. The pink hues, the depiction of wounds, and the glowing effect endow the sculpture with a divine aura, emanating a profound hope for the healing of society.

I acquired this sculpture. Now it is in my home fills me with rays of hope.

To learn more about Anastasia and her works, follow her on Instagram @anastasiaarteyeva

Thank you!

Kristina with love.

12.07.2024.

Miss Van. Between strength and delicacy, sensuality and mystery.

Tears flowed, makeup held on, sometimes replaced by powerful masks. And behind their mask, Miss Van’s muses, sultry yet elegant, reveal themselves as the very embodiment of femininity between strength and delicacy, sensuality and mystery. More ambiguous and stronger, sometimes burlesque, sensual or playful, they invite to share their torments, doubts, secrets and fantasies …

I met Vanessa during the performance in Fousion Gallery in the Born Quarter in Barcelona. I was enchanted by her vibrant paintings, which possess a bright individuality much like the artist herself.

Miss Van started wall-painting with brushes on the walls of Toulouse in the ’90s and quickly expanded her work throughout Europe (with Barcelona as her home city), influencing the feminine movement in European Urban Art. She is now considered among the most established international urban contemporary female artists.  

From acrylic to oil on canvas, Miss Van is in constant evolution, enhancing her work with cultural and tribal symbols, elements of folklore and diverse sources of inspiration, allowing herself to grow together with her characters. 

As a matter of fact, the sensual and defiant girls of the past have evolved to sensitive muses and warriors of today. 

Although they are still fragile and domineering, voluptuous and sensitive, they do no longer belong only to the streets, they now also shine in the largest international galleries and shows. The alluring outfits gave way to folkloric dresses and multi-traditional accessories. 

The origins of a feminine pioneer in a period when Urban Art and Graffiti started flourishing in the European context. Miss Van’s art has been in constant evolution for 30 years, from the young ladies that invaded the walls and streets of Europe with raw illustrative brush strokes in the 90s to the Surrealist exquisite muses living in oil-painted canvases today.

During a time when all the codes and styles exploded, in the context of variations, breakthroughs, and exploration, Miss Van resolutely appears in the male-dominated Graffiti and Urban Art world, distinguishing her style from classical bombing with her paintbrush gentle strokes.

Here is her Instagram account, so that you can explore her stories via art: @vanessa_alice

You also can see her artworks in the FOUSION GALLERY C/Comerç, 15-B, Barcelona @fousiongallery

Thank you!

Kristina with love! @rasskazovabcn

13.07.2024.

Karla Kracht. Dreamy Cyber Feast.

Karla muses, “I find myself endlessly captivated by certain questions: What defines us as humans? If humanity were to vanish in the future, what would unfold? How might artificial intelligence evolve? Would cyber beings emulate human life, creating rituals, celebrating existence, and even worshiping their own deities?”

I met Karla during her performance “Ghost in the Wall” at Fousion Gallery in the Born Quarter of Barcelona. Mesmerized by the fantastical and surreal world that was unfolding before my eyes, I felt an irresistible urge to delve deeper into the artist’s mind and explore her unique realm.

Karla graciously invited me to her home studio, welcoming me into her enchanting universe of stories, myths, folklore, dreams, science, and fantasy. It was a place where the ghosts of the past danced alongside the cyber creatures of the future, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of wonder and imagination.

Karla is a German artist. She is living and working in Barcelona for 20 years. She was studying graphic design, illustration and art in motion in Germany, UK and Spain.

Karla creates retro-futurist techno-sculptures, where the limits between the drawing stroke and their digital reflection blur completely. In combination with live camera, drawings, video and shadow projections, light and animation, she creates bi- zarre universes full of strange creatures, miniature cities in- habited by mythological cyborg goddesses that tell sci-fi stories about current social and political issues.

Recently she investigates mystic aspects of human society, and imagines scenarios for a world in pre-singularity, where machine and human are on the same level and their myths and magic melt with each other. Her award-winning work has been shown in 4 continents, more than 22 countries and over 50 cities.

One of the most important Karla’s sources of inspiration lies in international folkloric tales rituals and traditions, which she masterfully retells in her own unique style. Karla believes that our traditions and rituals—such as harvest celebrations and rites of birth and death—unite people around the world and define our humanity.

Karla kindly shared her artistic notebooks with me, and I was captivated by her creative process. Within those pages were sketches, stories, phrases, and thoughts, each as personal and intimate as the artworks themselves. I was deeply impressed by the immense effort that goes into creating a mere 10-minute performance or a small installation.

Carla states: “I live inside my projects, my creativity. It’s my world, and I’m completely immersed in it. This is important. Inspiration comes over a cup of coffee because I’m focused on the project. CONSTANT DISTRACTION IS THE ENEMY OF CREATION.”

This was handwritten on a perfectly clean double page in one of her sketchbooks.

This slogan is perfect for applying in life: where attention is focused, energy is concentrated.

Karla relies on quantum physics theories in her projects. We are all energy, and everything exists here and now, simultaneously encompassing the past, present, and future. I find a closeness to truth in this.

As I observed the notebooks and listened to Karla, gazing into her sky-blue eyes, countless questions about the past and the future filled my mind. Yet, I felt that each cyber character, regardless of how far into the future they originated, remained deeply connected to the ancient traditions and archetypes of our humanity. After all, it is we who have brought them into existence. Maybe I am wrong. Who knows…

Now Karla is traveling to Taiwan for two months to do a wonderful job: creating a retro-futuristic museum of her art.

Here is her Instagram account, so that you can explore exciting world of Karla via art: @karlakr8

Thank you!

Kristina with love!

14.07.2024.

Andrea Leria. Space traveler.

Andrea states in her instagram under the photo made by @michelemoreastudio: “He calls me “Space traveler”, I guess this portrait is the evidence that I am.”

Photography by @michelemoreastudio @michelemoreaphotography from Andrea’s instagram.

I saw Andrea’s work at the collective exposition “Obrim els ulls” (“Lets open our eyes”) in the Fundació Úniques Gallery @fundaciouniques.art in Barcelona.

I was curious about the woman in her artwork, wondering why she was hiding, disappearing, or emerging from beneath the fringe. I felt something deep, personal and painful is hidden behind.

Soon after, in a conversation with an acquaintance about this gallery, it turned out she personally knew Andrea. That’s how I met Andrea in person and visited her studio, where the artist shared with me the story of the disappearing woman. I discovered that Andrea dedicated her artwork, consisting of 20 paintings, to her deceased grandmother.

“My grandmother taught me not to disappear, but rather to emerge.” says Andrea. In all Andrea’s artworks, memory runs as a red thread.

Andrea was born in Catalonia, but moved with her parents to Chile for more than 25 years when she was a child. As a result, she was torn away from her grandmother’s life. When Andrea returned, her grandmother was already very old. Nevertheless, they managed to spend several years together. Andrea was very close to her. Her grandmother was a unique character. She was born into an aristocratic family at the beginning of the 20th century. She was the youngest in a large family but also the most rebellious. She wanted to be on par with men, drive a car, travel, and earn her own living. She absolutely did not want to get married or have children. But her father had a different future in mind for her. He sent her to a finishing school for noble girls in Paris and married her off after graduation. She gave her father an ultimatum: she would marry only if she had a car that she could drive and a trip to the USA. Her father kept his promise. After the wedding, six children were born, one of whom died. The woman was forced to live a life she did not want—having children and a husband she did not love and fulfilling the duties of a housewife instead of the free, independent life she passionately desired. As soon as her father died, she immediately divorced her husband, but this did not ease her fate. During Franco’s time, divorces were acts of defiance and were harshly condemned. She was left completely alone. Her children became outcasts. But the woman did not lose heart; she traveled the world, indulged in photography, and collected items. At the entrance to her apartment stood a dresser with a collection of Catholic figurines depicting priests and saints, and among them was a large African dildo she had brought back from Africa herself. And that was who she was.

After her grandmother’s death, Andrea was compelled to clear the apartment of unnecessary items, immersing herself in the secrets of the deceased’s life.

The fringe behind which the woman disappears is made from a household ledger that all housewives were required to keep during Franco’s time, a Vogue magazine, her favorite bedside book, and a letter her grandmother wrote to herself, in which the last line read: “I cannot trust anyone.” All these were discovered in the grandmother’s apartment. Andrea wanted to ensure that no one could see or read these documents, while at the same time, she dreamed of preserving them. So she shredded all of these using an office shredder and used the strips in her work.
The woman disappears behind these significant papers.

This is not just the story of one woman; it is the story of hundreds of thousands of women. The artist poignantly illuminated this painful theme through her art.

Here is her Instagram account, so that you can explore exciting world of Andrea via art: @andrealeria

Thank you!

Kristina with love!

01.08.2024.