Born in Madrid in 1985, MAÍLLO is one of the rising emerging artists of the Spanish art scene. Graffiti and street art are now pillars of his work, being the movements he grew up around. Through his very recognizable and characteristic imagery, the artist portrays his own world using symbols and conceptual diagrams. His works resemble hieroglyphics, for the viewer to decipher, where figures float on an infinite space.
WHITEWALL: How would you describe your practice?
Courtesy of MAÍLLO.
MAÍLLO: The body of my work is made up of drawings and paintings, which are a result of my artistic practice, and the motor of my creative thinking.
I constantly question the concepts and aesthetics of my work. My pieces are a testimonial of the society we live in. I use the canvas, a traditional medium and apply on it very new visual techniques, that invite the viewer to understand and decode my work.
Courtesy of MAÍLLO.
WW: How do you see your production within the Spanish artistic scene?
M: The Spanish artistic scene is very diverse and polyandric, it depends on the kind of artist or person you are. I am very proud to say that my work is highly backed up by strong private collectors.
Courtesy of MAÍLLO.
WW: When working, do you follow any routines?
M: I´m constantly drawing, I think while drawing. I also do my best keeping me updated on the contemporary trends, not only art wise but also in politics, music or television.
Courtesy of MAÍLLO.
WW: Where do you find inspiration?
M: My life is reading, painting, preparing new colors, searching for different materials and most important, creating unique paintings. I really need to paint, I need to flow with it, and I don’t really think of the outcome until it’s finished.
WW: How is your relationship with the art fair since your first ARCO in 2013?
M: For a young artist it’s truly a dream. As a kid I used to sneak in to the fair to see the works of the artists I admired. Now that I have my works exhibited, it’s more difficult to find time to stroll around the fair, something I miss a lot.
WW: Last year´s ARCO was a complete success for you and your gallery Ponce & Robles. All of your pieces were sold and the waiting list to acquire one grew and grew. Is every year more challenging to stay calm?
M: No. I am very capable of concentrating only on my work. The only pressure I stress on myself is producing better works each year.
WW: What are your future professional goals?
M: I would love that Spanish contemporary painting internationally would be more considered, not only for our historic tradition but also for the great job my colleagues are now doing. My personal goal is the same, to have my works well positioned in the international art scene.
WW: Will you take part in any international fairs or exhibitions this year?
M: I have three major commitments this year: ARCO 2020, Arte de Lima Parc (Perú), and a group show at Centro Párraga in Murcia (Spain). I think it’s more than enough for the year, as I also need to find time to think and work in peace for all the future projects, as I have committed to quite a lot for 2021.
WW: Where would you recommend them to go to mingle with the Spanish art scene?
M: I would tell them to stroll the city centre, and slip in places such as JazzBar (in Barrio de las Letras) or Cock Bar (closet o Gran Vía).
